By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: The Federal Ministry of Environment has taken a significant step in advancing climate action by launching the inaugural State Climate Desk Officers’ Coordination Meeting. Held virtually via Zoom on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 12:00 to 13:30, the event was organized by the Department of Climate Change (DCC).
The meeting was officially inaugurated by Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, who also delivered the keynote address. “The onset of climate change presents an unprecedented threat to our planet, with far-reaching consequences for our environment, economies, and societies,” Mr. Kambari stated. He highlighted the critical role of subnational climate change officers in translating global climate goals into localized actions and policies.
“Your work on the frontlines of climate action, implementing mitigation and adaptation measures, is essential in building a more sustainable future for our citizens and safeguarding our natural resources for generations to come,” Mr. Kambari emphasized.
The purpose of the launch, as noted by Mr. Kambari, was to “re-enact and foster existing synergy of the national and subnational towards aligning and meeting the Ministerial High Impact Deliverables in line with the Presidential Transformative Agenda.” He also introduced the Toolkits for the States’ Climate Action Communication, soon to be distributed to the 36 States and the FCT to enhance reporting on national climate action.
The coordinating conference, Mr. Kambari asserted, “provides a unique opportunity to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and forge partnerships that will strengthen our collective impact on climate change mitigation and adaptation.” He encouraged the community of professionals to leverage their expertise and explore innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola Awe, Director of the Department for Climate Change, emphasized the importance of the Coordination Meeting as a platform to implement the 17th Session of the National Council on Environment (NCE) Resolution 9Ai. This resolution underscores “the need for effective communication, collaboration, and synergy between the Federal and States in all environmental issues to enhance performance and better implementation of National Environmental Policies.”
The platform aims to bridge communication gaps, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and improve the reporting of climate action. Regular meetings will enable Desk Officers to share information, best practices, and coordinate efforts to improve climate resilience and link subnational climate action with national priorities.
Dr. Awe highlighted the platform’s role in enhancing the skill development of state climate desk officials through targeted training workshops and knowledge-sharing activities. The DCC has also established a secretariat to manage coordination meetings and ensure the vision and objectives are met.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), presented the status of the Subnational Climate Governance Ranking Project. He congratulated the Federal Ministry of Environment and the DCC for the inaugural meeting, expressing confidence that the initiative will strengthen climate change governance in Nigeria by promoting stronger climate action.
Professor Okereke explained that the Climate Governance Performance Ranking of States builds upon last year’s Climate Action Mapping initiative. The ranking evaluates states on five factors: climate governance and administrative structure, climate policy and action plan, climate change project implementation, climate finance and budget, and online visibility. He anticipated that the ranking would spark healthy competition among state governments, leading to more robust climate policies and actions.
The final ranking report will be released at a national event in July, with awards presented to the top three states. Professor Okereke urged state Desk Officers to remain focused on promoting climate action and pledged the Society for Planet and Prosperity’s commitment to providing capacity-building and training programs for their benefit.
This coordination meeting marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s climate governance, fostering enhanced cooperation and strategic action at both national and subnational levels.
