The Abia State Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO-PACE), has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at translating Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) into practical subnational actions in Abia State.
The workshop, themed _”Translating Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 into Subnational Actions, Bankable Climate Investment and Green Growth Opportunities in Abia State,”_ is designed for representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The event, which began on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and ends on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, is being held at the JAAC Building, Abia State Secretariat, Umuahia.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, described NDC 3.0 as a critical framework for coordinating voluntary actions to address climate-related crises confronting communities and nations.
Ogbonna said Abia State, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability through deliberate policies and practical interventions to tackle climate change.
He disclosed that the State has embarked on sustainable waste management initiatives to address waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions, and has executed over 14 erosion and climate adaptation projects across the State, with more ongoing.
The Commissioner further revealed that the State Government has committed ₦1 billion as counterpart funding to re-energise the climate adaptation activities of the Abia State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (ABIA-NEWMAP).
According to him, the implementation of NDC 3.0 offers Abia an opportunity to accelerate sustainable development and industrialisation, promote green job creation, attract climate finance and strengthen community resilience to climate change.
He added that the framework will help position the State to mobilise resources, strengthen institutional collaboration and integrate climate considerations into its long-term development agenda, including the proposed 25-year development plan.
Ogbonna called on participants, particularly MDAs and LGAs, to see climate action as a collective responsibility that requires coordinated planning, effective implementation, accountability and sustained commitment.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and translate the objectives of NDC 3.0 into actionable programmes and projects capable of attracting climate investment and improving livelihoods.
In his presentation, the National Team Lead of FCDO-PACE, Mr. Ifeanyi Peters Ugwuoke, emphasised the need to translate Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 commitments into practical actions at state and local government levels.
Ugwuoke explained that NDC 3.0 provides an opportunity for subnational governments to take ownership of climate action by identifying priority sectors, strengthening institutional capacity and developing projects that can attract sustainable financing.
He noted that climate change should not be viewed solely as an environmental challenge but also as an opportunity to stimulate economic growth, encourage innovation, create jobs and attract public and private investments.
He stressed the need for effective coordination among government institutions, development partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure measurable results.
Ugwuoke further encouraged participants to identify bankable climate projects, integrate climate considerations into their institutional plans and budgets, and develop strategies that would support Abia’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon and green economy.
The workshop featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, who commended the State Government and UK FCDO-PACE for deepening understanding of climate governance and strengthening subnational participation in Nigeria’s climate commitments.
A major highlight was a panel discussion and question-and-answer session, which provided participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore practical approaches to implementing NDC 3.0 across MDAs and LGAs.
Participants were also exposed to discussions on climate investment opportunities, institutional coordination, climate financing, adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as integration of climate actions into government policies and development plans.
Present at the workshop were technical officers from FCDO-PACE; Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Chidozie Oriuwa; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Lady Meg Kalu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Elechi Chianakwalam; former Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Prof. Chinedu Nwajiuba; Project Coordinator, NEWMAP, Dr. Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe; SSA to the Governor on Environment, Prof. Ijeoma Iheukwumere; SA to the Governor on Climate Change and Sustainability, Ms. Esther Chioma Aja; Director of Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Chris Ike, and other stakeholders.
