Abia State has received national recognition for strengthening its climate finance framework and building a pipeline of green investment projects which positions the State to attract over $60m investments and international funding.
The National Team Leader of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), Mr Ifeanyi Ugwuoke, gave the commendation during a meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Ugwuoke said PACE conducted a Climate Finance Readiness Assessment over eight months beginning in July 2025 to evaluate the State’s institutional systems and structures.
He noted that the exercise identified external bottlenecks and produced a reform action plan already agreed upon by the State Government.
Ugwuoke added that PACE provided technical input into the Abia Development Plan and disclosed that the Abia Climate Change Policy was “about 99 per cent complete” and undergoing final review before adoption.
On private sector engagement, Ugwuoke said PACE facilitated connections between Abia-based firms and potential investors through the Nigeria Sustainable Finance platform, describing the State’s delegation as “outstanding”.
According to him, the State’s validated investment pipeline includes gas and solar initiatives valued at about $15 million, clean energy transport projects, solar micro-grids, waste-to-wealth ventures and a low-carbon geopolymer cement project valued between $40 million and $60 million.
He said the projects are designed to enhance energy security, create jobs, stimulate SMEs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adding that PACE is providing advisory and financial structuring support to help unlock funding.
Ugwuoke urged the State Government to establish a Climate Resilient Fund within 60 to 90 days and adopt climate-responsive budget tracking to strengthen investor confidence.
Responding, Governor Otti commended PACE for its intervention and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
While noting that developing regions contribute minimally to global emissions, the Governor said Abia had taken proactive steps, including the introduction of electric buses under its transport reform programme.
He said the buses, which initially operated free of charge, have proven cheaper and easier to maintain than internal combustion vehicles, adding that the State has also invested in solar-powered street lighting and alternative energy solutions.
The Governor assured the team of the State Government’s readiness to collaborate, stressing that his administration remained committed to supporting local businesses and positioning Abia as a destination for climate finance and green growth.
In separate interviews with journalists, beneficiaries of the PACE-facilitated initiative expressed appreciation for the initiative and lauded the State Government.
The founder of Hemeko Renewable Solutions, Mr Ihemenandu Nwachukwu, said that through the state-backed readiness assessment facilitated by PACE, his firm was exposed to funding windows under global and domestic climate finance frameworks.
Nwachukwu disclosed that his company was among a few selected to attend the Nigerian Sustainable Finance Initiative Summit recently held in Lagos, where participants were sensitised on available climate funds and investment opportunities.
He disclosed that his company’s green patent had been filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization under the Patent Cooperation Treaty and is undergoing granting procedures in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Vostok Meridian Limited, Dr Sunny Alison, described Abia as a State undergoing transformation and announced plans to invest in environmentally friendly transport and logistics infrastructure to support the Abia State’s development vision.
