The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), a prominent environmental NGO, has recently released its 2024 Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions Report. This important step aims to promote climate transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
According to a statement from SPP Communications Specialist Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, this report sets a new standard for organizations under Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021. The law requires companies with 50 or more employees and all public entities to implement annual carbon reduction measures and report on their progress.
Even though enforcement of these guidelines has been limited, SPP has taken the initiative to self-audit and publicly share its carbon footprint. This action demonstrates their commitment to environmental responsibility, as explained by SPP President, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke. He believes that accountability is crucial for effective climate action. “Policy without enforcement is a promise unkept,” he said, highlighting the significance of their self-reported emissions data.
From February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, SPP emitted 2.011 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. The report identified four main sources of emissions: diesel generators, staff travel, bottled water usage, and energy from video conferencing. Together, these sources made up 86% of SPP’s total emissions. To tackle these issues, SPP aims for a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030.
The organization plans several actions to achieve these targets, including switching to solar energy to reduce reliance on diesel generators, installing water purification systems to eliminate bottled water, and optimizing digital meetings to cut energy use.
SPP’s Executive Director, Edwin Orugbo, expressed hope that their report would inspire change beyond their organization. He noted, “We are under no illusion that change is easy. However, we hope that this report will inspire a nationwide shift toward real sustainability.”
Nigeria has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. Recent statistics indicate that the country aims for a 20% unconditional and 47% conditional reduction in GHG emissions through its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These ambitious goals require collective action across all sectors. The SPP’s efforts could prompt other organizations to audit their emissions, aligning with Nigeria’s targets and the Paris Agreement’s goals to combat climate change.
As organizations embrace transparency and accountability, such initiatives may lead to a significant societal shift towards sustainability. The SPP is paving the way, showing that meaningful change starts with individuals and organizations taking responsibility.