The Niger State Government has announced plans to establish a Carbon Market Office as part of efforts to position the state at the forefront of Nigeria’s emerging carbon market space.
The move, officials say, is designed to unlock climate finance opportunities, attract green investments, and strengthen the state’s revenue base.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman, disclosed this during an exploratory meeting with stakeholders, development partners, and technical experts convened to outline the framework for the proposed Niger State Carbon Market Office (NSCMO).
Describing the initiative as a major step forward, Usman said it aligns with the administration’s broader vision of linking environmental sustainability with economic development.
“The establishment of the Carbon Market Office is not merely an environmental programme, but a strategic economic intervention designed to open access to climate finance, stimulate green investments, create jobs, and strengthen the state’s revenue base,” he said.
He added that the initiative reflects the policy direction of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago’s administration, which he said is focused on implementing forward-looking strategies to tackle environmental challenges while creating new economic opportunities.
Usman explained that his office would drive coordination across government institutions to ensure seamless implementation.
“As the coordinating arm of government, we will ensure a whole-of-government approach by driving policy coherence, institutional alignment, and collaboration among all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies,” he said.
According to him, the state will adopt a phased and disciplined implementation model to guarantee efficiency, accountability, and sustainability.
Under the proposed structure, the governor will provide overall leadership, while the Office of the SSG will oversee coordination.
The Commissioner for Environment will serve as interim focal person to provide technical oversight in the initial phase, with the Carbon Market Office acting as the central coordinating platform.
Usman noted that the lean structure was deliberately designed to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate execution.
He also acknowledged the technical complexities involved in carbon markets, stressing that the state would rely on international partnerships and external expertise in areas such as carbon accounting, monitoring, reporting and verification, project certification, and market access.
“This approach will ensure that Niger State’s entry into the carbon market meets global standards from inception and inspires investor confidence,” he said.
He further clarified that legal and regulatory responsibilities would be handled by the Ministry of Justice, while agencies such as the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency would contribute within their statutory roles, particularly in waste management and landfill-related carbon projects.
Calling for collaboration, the SSG urged development partners, investors, and technical stakeholders to support the initiative.
“The opportunity presented by carbon markets is one the state cannot afford to miss,” he said, adding that “with the right structures, early credibility, and strategic partnerships, Niger State can emerge as a national model for subnational carbon market development.”
He described the meeting as a timely platform for stakeholders to align expectations and develop a practical roadmap for implementation.
“Niger State is ready to take the lead, and with the right partnerships and commitment, we can position ourselves as a model for subnational carbon market development in Nigeria,” Usman added.
The press release announcing the development was signed by Aliyu Umar, Programme Focal Officer.
