The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) has made history by becoming the first environmental NGO in Nigeria to voluntarily publish its 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Report—sending a bold message that climate accountability must begin with those who preach it.
Led by renowned climate scholar Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, SPP’s transparent disclosure stands in sharp contrast to the widespread reluctance of many private organizations to comply with Section 24(1)(a) of the Nigerian Climate Change Act 2021, which mandates annual emissions reduction efforts for entities with over 50 employees. While enforcement remains weak, SPP’s leadership offers a compelling demonstration that self-regulation is not only possible but necessary.
Climate policy expert Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, responding to the development, described the move as “a landmark example of voluntary climate action,” urging institutions—especially advocacy-focused NGOs—to emulate SPP’s introspective approach. He noted that environmental responsibility should never be reduced to mere advocacy without internal reform.
The Climate Change Act’s Section 24(2) empowers the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) to penalize defaulters, yet compliance has remained low due to institutional lapses. SPP’s initiative dismantles the myth that emission reporting is too complex or impractical, instead proving that even non-profits can walk the talk through accurate carbon tracking and open disclosure.
By publishing its emissions data, SPP has set a powerful precedent that aligns with Section 32(a) of the Climate Act, which outlines plans for universal annual GHG reporting across public and private sectors. Oladipo stressed the need for strategic enforcement mechanisms that will nudge lagging institutions into compliance.
Beyond its moral significance, transparent emissions reporting is critical to meeting the Paris Agreement targets. It enables organizations to identify problem areas, set tangible climate goals, and adopt sustainable operational models. SPP’s action has already begun to spark discussions on responsible climate governance across boardrooms and policy circles alike.
With Nigeria facing rising climate threats—from desertification to flooding—the need for genuine, measurable climate action is more urgent than ever. As Prof. Oladipo put it, “SPP has turned climate responsibility from a slogan into a blueprint. Others must now follow.”
