By Abdullahi Lukman
The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department of Climate Change (DCC), has intensified efforts to boost subnational climate governance following the release of Nigeria’s second subnational climate ranking.
As part of its COP30 activities, SPP convened a strategic roundtable between the Under2 Coalition Secretariat and senior climate officials from various states to strengthen Nigeria’s presence at global climate forums and help states access financing for climate action.
The Under2 Coalition, with over 270 members, is the world’s largest network of states and regions committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Officials from the DCC, the Climate Group, and representatives from Niger, Ogun, Kano, and Osun states attended the session, facilitated by SPP’s Gboyega Olorunfemi.
The Under2 delegation emphasised that Nigerian states are pivotal to climate action due to their population size and direct exposure to extreme weather, deforestation and energy transition challenges.
Champa Patel of the Under2 Secretariat highlighted successful state-level engagements at previous international climate events and said the coalition aims to increase visibility and coordination for Nigerian states. She added that the coalition is shifting toward technical and financial support, including feasibility studies, bankable proposal development, and access to blended finance.
A series of investment dialogues will run through 2026, culminating in the launch of the Global State and Regional Finance Accelerator at COP31.
DCC Director Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe noted that Nigerian states are already demonstrating climate leadership, citing innovations showcased in the latest subnational climate ranking. She also referenced the growing coordination platforms—such as the Community of Practice for Environment Commissioners and nationwide training on emissions reporting and climate finance—supported by SPP and international partners.
According to Abiola-Awe, these platforms can be scaled across Africa and serve as entry points for deeper collaboration with Under2, benefiting state-level advisers, envoys and agency heads.
SPP said the strengthened partnership among the DCC, SPP and Under2 Coalition could help unlock greater visibility, coordination and financing for state-led climate initiatives, enhancing Nigeria’s influence on global climate platforms.
In his closing remarks, Olorunfemi stressed that Nigeria’s climate goals will progress faster when global coalitions have direct, institutionalised channels to work with local actors.
