Abia Validates Climate Change Policy, Prioritises Disability Inclusion

The Abia State Government has validated its climate change policy, with a strong emphasis on disability inclusion, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Ministry of Environment.
The final review process brought together representatives of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), local government climate desk officers, chambers of commerce, disability clusters, farmers, women’s groups, and other key stakeholders.
A draft of the policy was presented by a technical team from the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagements.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Ogbonna, said the series of consultations conducted since 2024 were aimed at producing a climate change policy that meets international standards and best practices.
Ogbonna, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Ikechukwu Oriuwa, noted that the policy aligns with the commitment of Governor Alex Otti to sustainable environmental initiatives across the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike, stressed that a robust climate change policy was essential for driving effective implementation of climate actions.
“Our budget is green, with climate-related activities captured across multiple sectors,” Anosike said.
He added that the state government has adopted climate-friendly infrastructure, noting that new public buildings are designed to be environmentally sustainable, while over 9,000 street lights installed across the state operate on solar energy.
“There is much we can do to slow ozone depletion, even if we cannot completely stop it,” he said.
The Chairman of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr David Anyaele, said the participation of persons with disabilities in the validation process was aimed at ensuring that disability inclusion is fully reflected in the final policy document.
“People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable during flooding, erosion and heat waves,”
“We want the final document to reflect the governor’s directive that all policies of government must be disability-inclusive,” he added.
Similarly, the Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Mr Godwin Unumeri, commended the Ministry of Environment for its efforts in developing an inclusive climate change policy that reflects the concerns of diverse stakeholders.
Unumeri disclosed that CCD began related research in 2024 on disability-inclusive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in Abia State.
“The policy development process started around the same time as our research,”
“We have consistently made inputs, and the ministry has demonstrated a willingness to capture the needs of all groups,” Unumeri added.
On the participation of persons with disabilities, he explained: “We needed them to be present to listen, engage, and advise us on the inputs to be forwarded to the ministry.”