Cross River Governor Advocates for Global Climate Finance for Subnational Governments

Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has called on the international community to increase financial support and partnership opportunities for subnational governments to better tackle the escalating global climate crisis. Speaking at a high-level session during the 2026 London Climate Action Week at Chatham House, the governor emphasized that states and local authorities are at the forefront of implementing practical environmental solutions.

During the dialogue, titled “Can Cities and States Lead the Shift to Climate Resilience?”, Governor Otu highlighted his administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship. He pointed to Cross River’s vast rainforest one of Africa’s most vital ecological assets as proof that conservation and economic development can effectively coexist. He argued that while national governments set climate frameworks, the actual work of building resilience and implementing sustainable policies occurs primarily at the state and local levels.

The governor urged development partners and international financial institutions to simplify the process for subnational governments to access climate financing. He noted that regions protecting globally significant ecosystems should not be required to bear the financial burden of such conservation efforts alone. According to Otu, equitable investment and political will are essential to scaling existing local solutions into broader, measurable impacts.

Governor Otu’s call for action aligns with the broader themes of this year’s London Climate Action Week, where global leaders discussed the urgent need to move beyond promises toward concrete investments in climate adaptation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who opened the summit, warned of the catastrophic risks posed by rising temperatures and pushed for enhanced funding for resilience projects in vulnerable regions.

Reaffirming his administration’s trajectory, the governor stated that Cross River will continue to prioritize forest protection, renewable energy expansion, and the strengthening of climate governance. He expressed his readiness to collaborate with global investors to ensure that climate action remains a collective effort, bridging the gap between international commitments and local environmental outcomes.