The Anambra State Government has intensified policies and enforcement measures aimed at protecting and improving the environment in response to the realities of climate change.
Dr Clem Aguiyi, the State Commissioner for Environment, said this on Wednesday in Awka while speaking with journalists ahead of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, marked annually on September 16.
Aguiyi said the state had continued to feel the effects of climate change and would not relent in implementing policies and laws that promote environmental sustainability.
“Anambra is one of the places in the world that has taken the hit of the impact of climate change.
“We are, therefore, not backing down in developing and implementing policies and laws that protect the environment,” he said.
The commissioner said the state government would strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and regulations on pollution, carbon and gaseous emissions, bush burning and other activities capable of releasing harmful substances into the atmosphere.
He said the government remained committed to maintaining a low-emission environment in line with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Aguiyi said the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo had also commenced a transition from diesel-powered systems to hybrid solar-powered systems for public power and utility supplies.
According to him, Gov. Soludo’s administration is leading a just transition from diesel to hybrid solar-powered systems for public power and utility supplies.
“This is part of our commitment to reducing emissions and promoting cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy,” he said.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is commemorated every September 16 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer and phasing out substances that deplete it.
The ozone layer, located in the stratosphere about 15 to 35 kilometres above the earth’s surface, absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, thereby helping to protect humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.
The day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
The 2026 commemoration has the theme: “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”
