By Abbas Nazil
The Enugu State Government has announced plans to create 792,000 jobs in renewable energy, waste management, and reforestation by 2060.
This was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, after the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting in Enugu last week.
He said the state government has also adopted the Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan (ESCPAP).
This long-term policy incorporates emissions modeling, microenergy solutions, and climate audits to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth.
According to Onyia, the ESCPAP aims to facilitate a 25-fold increase in the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2060 through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technologies.
The plan also targets an 80 percent renewable energy adoption rate by 2060, a 60 percent reduction in transport sector emissions, and the implementation of an extensive afforestation program to enhance carbon sequestration.
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The EXCO, Onya said, also approved the Enugu State Off-Grid Electrification Policy Strategy Plan, designed to expand electricity access in underserved communities by leveraging distributed renewable energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydro, and biomass technologies.
This initiative is expected to drive economic growth and improve public service delivery.
Onyia highlighted that the ESCPAP underscores the administration’s commitment to balancing economic transformation with environmental sustainability, innovation, inclusiveness, and climate resilience. He stated that the policy ensures key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and natural resources are climate-resilient and future-proofed against environmental challenges.
The government, according to Onya, plans to set up an ESCPAP Implementation Committee, involving representatives from the public and private sectors, civil society, and international donors to oversee the policy’s execution.
He said the introduction of a climate change curriculum in the state’s Smart Green Schools is planned to equip future generations with skills in green innovation.
These initiatives align with the administration’s vision of transforming Enugu into a $30 billion economy by 2031 while improving the quality of life for residents.
The state’s electrification policies are expected to catalyze private-sector investments, enhance socio-economic growth, and bolster environmental sustainability.
