Follow Us on Google
…. Inaugurates Implementation Committee and Sets Up Climate and Development Investment Platform
Niger State Government has demonstrated leadership in the launch of its landmark Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, and inaugurated the Climate Change Policy Implementation Committee (CCPIC).
The event also marks the operationalisation of the Niger State Climate Development and Investment Platform (CDIP), a special-purpose vehicle towards mobilising climate finance to boost sustainable development across the state.
The event, held at Haske Luxury Hotel in Minna on August 27, 2026, emphasised the importance of strong multilevel institutional coordination, improved project preparation and budget tagging, and the development of flagship project pipelines capable of attracting public and private investment.
It brought together government officials, local and international development partners, private sector representatives, academia, and technical experts to witness Niger State’s commitment to moving projects from development to bankability.
In his opening address, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President – Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement joined virtually, stated that the impacts of climate change are already evident, as seen in the event of flooding, land degradation, rising temperatures and declining agricultural productivity facing the state.
He further emphasized that Niger State possessed enormous opportunities in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainable forestry, resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
“This policy must not be a policy of ambition, it should serve as a practical framework for coordinated implementation, measurable action and investment mobilisation.
“Its success will depend on clear institutional responsibilities, adequate financing, credible climate data, transparent monitoring and active participation of local government, women, young people, farmers, and vulnerable communities,” Mr Shelleng said.
He concluded by underscoring the need for Niger State to translate its policies and priorities into a credible pipeline of bankable projects capable of attracting public, private, and international capital, with alignment to Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and broader development priorities serving as a critical measure of success.
In his remark, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, described the launch as a significant step forward in Niger State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
He noted that climate change is no longer a distant concern, with shifting rainfall patterns, recurrent flooding, land degradation, and encroaching drought affecting farming seasons, food security, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
“In response, the Ministry has taken decisive steps to transform these challenges into actionable solutions through the launch of the Niger State Climate Change Policy Document and the Structure for the Climate Investment Development Platform,” he said.
The Honourable Commissioner described the Climate Change Policy Document as the State’s foundational roadmap, outlining strategies to reduce climate risks, strengthen adaptive capacity, and guide sustainable development across key sectors.
The Climate Investment Development Platform, he noted, provides a practical mechanism for mobilising green finance, fostering public-private partnerships, and directing targeted investments towards sustainable projects.
Achieving these objectives, however, will depend on sustained collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, traditional leaders, community organisations, international development agencies, civil society groups, technical experts, and other stakeholders working collectively to advance a climate-resilient and prosperous Niger State.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Forestry and Ecological Matters, Hon. Yakubu Kolo, described the launch of the Niger State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan as a significant demonstration of the Government’s commitment to building a climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable and economically prosperous Niger State.
According to him, the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan provide a strategic framework for translating climate and development priorities into measurable action, with a focus on forest and ecosystem protection, sustainable land management, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient communities.
He called on MDAs, local governments, traditional institutions, communities, development partners, the private sector, civil society, academia, and citizens to work collectively towards its implementation, noting that its success would ultimately be reflected in measurable results, improved livelihoods, and healthier ecosystems.
Key highlights of the events were two plenary sessions facilitated by Mr Obinna Ugochuku, National Consultant, Niger State Green Economy Initiative, and Mr Uchenna Nnamani, Senior Research Fellow, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP).
Both plenaries covered definitions of climate finance as well as types of climate finance, sources and structure for climate finance and the linkages with Niger State’s Climate Ambitions and what must be considered in selection of bankable projects.
During the launch, three Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will drive the implementation of the Climate Development and Investment Platform (CDIP) were inaugurated.
The TWGs include: Financial Management and Climate Investment, Electricity Act and Renewable Energy and Climate Smart Agriculture.
The event featured technical breakout sessions across three Technical Working Groups.
Each group was tasked with development of roadmaps and identifying bankable projects
Also present at the event are MyClimate Switzerland Team led by Mr. Pablo Kaloghlian, including Development Partners, Members of CSOs, Regulators, Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Staff of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The event was moderated by Professor Mohammed Aliyu Paiko, the Vice Chancellor, Abdul Kure University, Minna and a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Abubakar Sadiq, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
