Nasarawa develops platform for clean energy solutions, secures $160,000 grant from ACF

Nasarawa State Government has developed a broader strategy on climate that will further position the state as one of the leading destinations for climate-smart investment in the country.

As a result, the state government has secured a $160,000 grant from the African Climate Foundation to develop a Climate Investment Platform (CIP), aimed at boosting clean energy solution to the effect of climate change.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, Managing Director, Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement on the CIP project in Lafia.

The NASIDA Boss said, the CIP would serve as a hub to pull together projects that would key into the state’s ambition of transitioning to cleaner energy solutions.

He said the CIP project being implemented by Murty International, would enhance climate-smart agriculture, construction and other climate-smart initiatives.

He explained that, the project involved development of strategic policy documents and actions plans for emission reduction, capacity building for businesses to support climate-smart investments and guide climate action in Nasarawa State.

According to Abdullahi, Nasarawa is the first state in Nigeria to develop the CIP, “the CIP is a key component of a broader strategy to position Nasarawa State as a leading destination for climate-smart investment,” he said.

Sesan Adedapo, from Murty International, the implementing firm, said the project include creating a science-based climate policy and action plan for Nasarawa State.

He added, they would also develop a Climate financing strategy to attract local and international investors to the state, and as well provide technical assistance, and capacity building for local businesses to adopt and implement energy efficient technologies.

Also, Adnan Aminu, the Project Consultant, said the stakeholders’ engagement was meant to gather their insight on climate investment needs, priorities and challenges across key sectors: Agriculture, Transportation, Energy, Waste management, Commerce and Industry.

Aminu also pointed out the engagement was to get stakeholders’ support and commitment and as well as identifying local barriers to climate financing and opportunities for policy or regulatory improvement.