Abia State has emerged as a leading performer in the Nigeria Sustainability Financing Programme, a development that brings the state closer to accessing climate finance and attracting green investments.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, National Team Leader of Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), during a meeting with Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, at the Government House.
Ugwuoke explained that PACE conducted a Climate Finance Readiness Assessment for the state over an eight-month period beginning in July 2025. The assessment evaluated existing institutional structures and systems, identified external bottlenecks, and produced a reform action plan that has already been agreed upon by the state government and the organisation.
He added that PACE also provided technical input into the review and finalisation of the Abia Development Plan ahead of its launch. According to him, the state’s Climate Change Policy is about 99 per cent complete and currently undergoing final review before submission for adoption.
Ugwuoke further noted that four companies from Abia participated in private sector engagement sessions alongside firms from Kano, Kaduna and other states, describing the Abia delegation as outstanding. Through the Nigeria Sustainable Finance Initiative platform, he said PACE facilitated connections between Abia-based businesses and potential investors.
He said the state’s validated investment pipeline includes projects in energy, transport and sustainable infrastructure. These include gas and solar energy initiatives, modernisation of the Abia Line transport services, clean-energy transport systems, solar micro-grids, waste-to-wealth ventures and a low-carbon geopolymer cement project valued between $40 million and $60 million.
Ugwuoke advised the state government to consider establishing a Climate Resilient Fund within the next 60 to 90 days to boost investor confidence and support technical advisory services.
Responding, Governor Otti commended PACE for its intervention and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.
He acknowledged the global concerns around climate change but noted that developing regions that contribute minimally to global emissions should not bear disproportionate responsibility.
Otti highlighted steps already taken by the state, including the introduction of electric buses under its transport reform programme. According to him, the battery-powered buses were initially operated free of charge from December 2025 before fares were introduced in March 2026, noting that they are cheaper and easier to maintain than internal combustion engine vehicles.
The governor also disclosed that the state has invested in solar-powered street lighting and is exploring alternative energy solutions to strengthen power supply.
He assured the PACE team of the government’s readiness to collaborate further to position Abia as a destination for climate finance and green growth.
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