By Abbas Nazil
The Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a Carbon Market Office aimed at positioning the state as a leading player in Nigeria’s emerging carbon market ecosystem.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting involving development partners and technical experts to discuss the framework for the proposed Niger State Carbon Market Office.
He stated that the initiative represents a strategic effort to align environmental sustainability with economic growth, while also opening new opportunities for investment and revenue generation.
According to him, Niger State is determined to take a leading role in the development of subnational carbon markets, noting that with the right partnerships and commitment, the state can serve as a model for others across the country.
Usman explained that the establishment of the office goes beyond environmental concerns and is designed as a key economic intervention to unlock climate finance, stimulate green investments, and create employment opportunities.
He added that the initiative would also contribute to strengthening the state’s internally generated revenue and diversifying its economic base.
The SSG emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Bago, the administration is focused on implementing forward-looking policies that address environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development.
He noted that his office would play a central coordinating role to ensure a whole-of-government approach, bringing together all relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to achieve policy coherence and effective implementation.
The government plans to adopt a phased and structured approach to the rollout of the Carbon Market Office to ensure accountability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Under the proposed governance structure, the governor will provide overall strategic direction, while the SSG’s office will oversee coordination, policy alignment, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Usman further stressed the importance of strong institutional frameworks and partnerships in ensuring the success of the initiative.
He highlighted that effective collaboration between government agencies, private sector actors, and international partners would be critical in driving the state’s carbon market ambitions.
The move reflects growing interest among subnational governments in Nigeria to tap into global carbon markets as a means of addressing climate change while unlocking economic benefits.
Officials believe that by taking early steps to establish the necessary structures, Niger State can position itself at the forefront of climate finance and green economy initiatives in the country.
