FENRAD backs inclusive stakeholder validation of Abia State climate change policy

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has commended the Abia State Government for the successful validation of its Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, describing the achievement as a bold and strategic step toward strengthening climate governance, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic resilience in the state.

FENRAD, an environmental rights advocacy organisation with proven expertise in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and inclusive environmental governance, actively participated in the policy validation process alongside government institutions, civil society organisations, community representatives, and other key stakeholders.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation particularly acknowledges the Department of Climate Change under the Abia State Ministry of the Environment for providing strong institutional leadership and effective coordination throughout the policy development and validation process.

FENRAD also commended PACE-Agile for its technical expertise and funding support, which were instrumental in ensuring the development of a robust, evidence-based, and inclusive Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

The validation of the Abia State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan marks a critical turning point in the state’s response to climate risks. The technical guidance and financial support provided by PACE-Agile, alongside the leadership of the Department of Climate Change, ensured that the policy aligns with global best practices while addressing Abia State’s local realities and Inclusive and Rights-Based Climate Framework

FENRAD applauded the participatory and inclusive approach adopted in the development and validation of the policy, which integrated inputs from women, farmers, local communities, persons with disabilities, private sector actors, and civil society organisations.

The approach reinforced the importance of rights-based, people-centred climate action, particularly for vulnerable and climate-exposed populations across the state.

The organisation noted that the validated Climate Change Policy and Action Plan positions Abia State as a leading example of sub-national climate action in Nigeria, while complementing national commitments under the Climate Change Act and international obligations such as the Paris Agreement and National Determined contributions

The policy provided a strategic framework for mainstreaming climate considerations into development planning, budgeting, and key sectors, including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, waste management, and disaster risk reduction.

Call for Sustained Implementation and Partnerships
While commending the achievement, FENRAD emphasised that effective implementation, sustained funding, inter-agency collaboration, and continuous stakeholder engagement will be essential to translating the policy into measurable climate resilience outcomes.

FENRAD reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Abia State Government through:
Technical input on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies

Community-level awareness, education, and capacity building

Monitoring, accountability, and environmental rights advocacy in the policy implementation

Conclusion
FENRAD congratulates the Abia State Government, the Ministry of the Environment, the Department of Climate Change, PACE-Agile, and all stakeholders involved in the validation process, and urges the swift adoption and operationalisation of the Climate Change Policy and Action Plan to safeguard the environment, protect vulnerable populations, and promote sustainable development in Abia State.