Climate accountability: SPP discloses emission status, releases 2024 GHG report

The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), a leading environmental NGO, has taken a bold step toward climate transparency with the publication of its 2024 Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions Report.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Communications Specialist, SPP, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

The statement said that the pioneering move sets a national standard for organisational accountability under Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (2021).

It noted that under Sections 19 and 24 of the Act, organisations with 50 or more employees and all public entities are mandated to implement annual carbon reduction measures and report their progress.

According to it, while enforcement of these provisions remains limited, SPP has taken the initiative to self-audit and publicly disclose its carbon footprint—demonstrating leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the release of the report, SPP President, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, emphasized the need for integrity in climate action.

Prof. Okereke

“Policy without enforcement is a promise unkept. By publishing our own emissions report and setting clear, time-bound reduction targets, we are proving that environmental responsibility begins with accountability.

“I am proud that SPP is leading this vital transformation,” Okereke said.

The report revealed that SPP emitted 2.011 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent between February 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025.

The organisation identified four key emission hotspots: diesel generator use, fuel-powered staff travel, reliance on bottled water, and energy-intensive video conferencing systems—together accounting for 86.1 per cent of total emissions.

It said that to address these challenges, SPP has committed to a 30 per cent emissions reduction by 2030.

The Society mapped out its planned interventions to include:

“Transitioning to solar energy to reduce generator dependence.

“Installing on-site water purification systems to eliminate bottled water use

“Reducing digital emissions by optimizing webinar scheduling and participation.”

Orugbo

SPP’s Executive Director, Mr. Edwin Orugbo, expressed hope that the report will serve as a catalyst for wider change.

“We are under no illusion that change is easy. However, we hope that this report will inspire a nationwide shift toward real sustainability as organisations across sectors prioritise emissions tracking and sustainability reporting.”

The report noted that Nigeria has pledged to achieve net zero by 2060, with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 2.0) targeting a 20 per cent unconditional and 47 per cent conditional reduction in GHG emissions.

The reported noted that these targets which may change in its NDCs 3.0 can only be attained through whole-of-society actions.

It added that SPP’s exemplary action is therefore expected to motivate Nigeria’s public and private sectors to engage in audits of their emissions and subsequently take action to reduce their carbon footprints in line with the country’s targets, and in compliance with Mission 1.5 degrees of the Paris Agreement.