The policies of the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP) and the Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan position Enugu as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s climate action and energy transition efforts.

Announced by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, after the weekend’s State Executive Council meeting, the ESCPAP represents a bold step toward balancing economic transformation and environmental sustainability.

The policy outlines a long-term climate strategy that includes emissions modeling, micro-energy audits, and extensive stakeholder engagement. It targets the creation of 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management, and reforestation by 2060.

“We started this process eight months ago, using surveys and data modeling. The ESCPAP will facilitate economic growth, focusing on job creation while ensuring climate resilience in key sectors like agriculture, energy, and natural resources,” said Prof. Onyia.

The ESCPAP projects a 25-fold increase in Enugu’s GDP by 2060, driven by investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. The plan also targets 80% renewable energy use by 2060, a 60% emissions reduction in the transport sector, and a robust afforestation strategy to enhance carbon sequestration.

To ensure effective execution, the government will establish an ESCPAP Implementation Committee comprising stakeholders from the public and private sectors, civil society, and international donors. The plan also introduces a climate change curriculum in the state’s Smart Green Schools, equipping future generations with knowledge in green innovation.

Complementing the climate action plan, the Off-Grid Electrification (OGE) Policy Strategy Plan focuses on expanding electricity access to unserved and underserved communities. This initiative leverages distributed renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, to drive socio-economic growth and improve public services.

“The OGE Policy builds on the 2023 Enugu Electricity Law and provides a framework for catalyzing private sector investments to enhance the quality of life for our people,” said Prof. Onyia.

Both policies align with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and global climate agreements, positioning Enugu as a key player in the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future. These initiatives also align with the administration’s ambitious goal of transforming Enugu into a $30 billion economy by 2031.

Governor Mbah’s administration has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable economic development through innovative policies that address energy access, environmental challenges, and job creation, setting a benchmark for other states in Nigeria.

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The deal, formalized on Monday in Enugu, involves a $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to upgrade water infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households in Enugu City.

The signing ceremony, attended by Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria Thomas Schlesinger, marks a major milestone in the state’s efforts to address water distribution challenges. Governor Peter Mbah described the agreement as a groundbreaking partnership between a sub-sovereign entity and a sovereign nation.

“We now have an investment of $100 million to address the last-mile connectivity in our water system decisively,” Mbah stated. “This underscores the impact of the federal government’s economic reforms and our efforts to position Enugu as a premier investment destination. This agreement moves beyond exploration to implementation, with funds set to flow immediately.”

The governor highlighted significant progress under his administration, increasing water production from two million litres per day to 120 million litres. However, the focus now shifts to expanding the water distribution network to ensure household access.

“With this investment, we will expand our capacity to 200 million litres per day by 2025. This transformative project will eliminate the challenges of network expansion and tertiary pipeline connections,” he added.

Ambassador Schlesinger commended Governor Mbah for fostering international partnerships and demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Enugu. “This $100 million investment is a testament to Governor Mbah’s visionary leadership. His engagements in Vienna have strengthened ties between Austria and Enugu, laying the foundation for sustainable development,” Schlesinger remarked.

He also praised the leadership of Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of WANDE NEXUS Group, who brings over two decades of experience in addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Schlesinger expressed confidence in the project’s success under Ugbor’s direction.

Ugbor, in his remarks, attributed the investment decision to the favorable business environment created by the Mbah administration. He pledged the project would deliver substantial benefits, including the creation of 500 direct jobs, the development of human capital in modern water management, and significant improvements in public health and economic opportunities in the state.

The project represents a landmark in Enugu’s quest for sustainable development and international investment, with implementation set to begin immediately.

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