By Abdullahi Lukman
Osun State asserted itself as one of Africa’s rising subnational climate leaders at COP30 in Belém, presenting reforms and community-rooted innovations that have rapidly elevated the state’s profile in Nigeria’s green transition.
The state used its Nigeria Day side event to showcase gains in recycling, renewable energy, and electric mobility—developments that officials say demonstrate the growing importance of state-level climate action.
The Osun delegation, led by Professor Chinwe Obuaku-Igwe, Special Envoy to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, highlighted how new climate policies and partnerships have helped move Osun from 30th to 6th out of Nigeria’s 36 states in national climate governance rankings.
Delegates from across Africa and Latin America attended the session, which also featured the premiere of a documentary detailing the state’s community-driven projects.
Prof. Obuaku-Igwe told participants that climate solutions must begin where impacts are felt most—at the local level. She said Osun’s initiatives show how recycling systems, solar electrification, and e-mobility projects can jointly reduce emissions while creating new economic opportunities.
Facilitator Olumide Idowu added that states like Osun are becoming “innovation engines” in Nigeria’s climate transition.
The documentary presented during the event illustrated waste-to-resource programs that have cut landfill pressure by nearly 40 percent, youth-led adoption of solar-powered e-bikes built partly from recycled materials, and rural electrification projects expanding access to clean energy.
The film drew positive reactions for its focus on practical, replicable models for other states.
Officials also outlined the policy frameworks guiding Osun’s progress, including the Osun State Climate Action Plan, Circular Economy Action Plan, Renewable Energy Development & Regulation Policy, and a Climate-Smart Investment Portfolio.
These documents have helped attract interest from investors and development partners.
Participants at the event called for increased international financing for subnational climate efforts, arguing that states often lead implementation but lack direct access to global climate funds. Prof. Obuaku-Igwe said Osun’s experience proves that “when communities, policy, and innovation align, transformation becomes inevitable.”
Osun’s presentation comes as COP30 debates climate finance, adaptation, and loss and damage. Delegates noted that the state’s progress reinforces the growing influence of subnational governments in accelerating climate action across Africa.