By Abdullahi Lukman
Nasarawa State has secured a $160,000 grant from the African Climate Foundation to address climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.
The funding is to be used to establish a Climate Investment Platform (CIP) to attract clean energy projects and bolster the state’s transition to more sustainable energy sources.
The announcement was made by Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director of the Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), during a stakeholders’ engagement event held on Monday, February 3, 2025, in Lafia, the state capital.
Abdullahi highlighted that the platform would act as a key driver in pulling together projects that align with the state’s broader goal of adopting cleaner energy solutions and reducing the impacts of climate change.
The Climate Investment Platform is being implemented by Murty International, an organization tasked with developing and supporting climate-smart projects across multiple sectors.
Abdullahi explained that the CIP would facilitate initiatives related to climate-smart agriculture, construction, and other sectors, all designed to reduce emissions and promote energy efficiency.
The platform will also focus on creating strategic policy documents and action plans aimed at emission reduction, building the capacity of local businesses to adopt climate smart investments, and guiding the state’s overall climate action plan.
“Nasarawa is the first state in Nigeria to develop a Climate Investment Platform, which we believe will be a game changer in attracting both local and international investments in climate-friendly solutions,” said Abdullahi.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Nasarawa as a leading destination for climate-smart investment in Africa,” he said.
The project’s lead implementation partner, Mr. Sesan Adedapo from Murty International, explained that the project would involve the creation of a science-based climate policy and a comprehensive action plan tailored to Nasarawa State’s unique needs.
A central feature of the CIP will be developing a climate financing strategy aimed at attracting both local and international investors to support climate-positive projects.
The platform will also provide technical assistance and capacity-building opportunities for local businesses to adopt and implement energy-efficient technologies.
Dr. Adnan Aminu, the Project Consultant, emphasized the importance of the stakeholders’ engagement, which aimed to gather valuable insights from key sectors such as agriculture, transportation, energy, waste management, commerce, and industry.
The engagement provided an opportunity for local stakeholders to share their perspectives on the state’s climate investment needs, priorities, and challenges.
Aminu also noted that the event was designed to build stakeholder support and commitment for the CIP, while identifying local barriers to climate financing and exploring opportunities for policy or regulatory improvements.
“This is a collaborative effort,” said Aminu. “We are working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that this platform not only attracts investment but also addresses the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Nasarawa State.”
