The Abia government has validated its climate change policy, emphasising disability inclusion, during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Ministry of Environment.

The final review, held on Saturday, involved MDAs, local government climate desk officers, chambers of commerce, disability clusters, farmers, women’s groups, and other stakeholders.

The draft policy was presented by a technical team from the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagements.

The Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, said consultations since 2024 have aimed to produce a climate policy that meets international standards.

Represented by the permanent secretary, Ikechukwu Oriuwa, Mr Ogbonna said the policy aligned with Governor Alex Otti’s commitment to sustainable environmental initiatives.

The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike, said a strong climate policy was essential to drive effective implementation of climate action.

“Our budget is green, with climate-related activities captured across sectors. Our new buildings are climate-friendly, and over 9,000 street lights installed so far run on solar energy.

“There is much we can do to slow ozone depletion, even if we cannot completely stop it,” Mr Anosike said.

The chairman of the Abia Disability Commission, David Anyaele, said the participation aimed to ensure disability inclusion in the final policy.

“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 must be disability-inclusive,” he said.

The acting executive director of CCD, Godwin Unumeri, commended the ministry for developing an inclusive policy reflecting stakeholders’ concerns.

Mr Unumeri said CCD began related research in 2024 on disability-inclusive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies in Abia.

“The policy development started around the same time as our research. We have consistently made inputs, and the ministry has shown willingness to capture all groups’ needs,” he said.

On PwDs’ participation, Mr Unumeri said, “We needed them present to listen and advise us on inputs to forward to the ministry.”

(NAN)