Former member of House of Representatives, Chief Sam Onuigbo has called for unified efforts across society to address environmental and climate challenges in the country
Onuigbo made the call in a statement he issued on Abuja on Thursday in commemoration of the 2024 World Environment Day.
The theme for this year’s edition is: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”.
Onuigbo, who represents South-East in the North-East Development Commission, described the theme as timely and appropriate for a secure and sustainable future.
The former federal lawmaker who sponsored the Climate Change Bill which gave rise to the Climate Change Act said desertification and drought had severely impacted 11 northern states, covering approximately 1531 kilometres.
Onuigbo said some of the environmental challenges facing the regions, including the drying up of Lake Chad, forced migration, competition for scarce resources, and security issues.
He linked these challenges to broader climate change issues, underscoring the need for robust environmental and climate change frameworks in Nigeria.
He highlighted the country’s adherence to international environmental mandates, referencing the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Paris Agreement, among others.
These frameworks, he said, are vital for addressing climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable environment.
Onuigbo praised Nigeria’s legislative efforts, particularly the Climate Change Act 2021, which he sponsored.
The Act aims to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions and promote green growth by integrating climate change actions into national development priorities.
He also noted the importance of community involvement and education in climate action, as outlined in various sections of the Act.
The lawmaker highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership in climate action, noting initiatives like the Africa Great Green Wall and Nigeria’s goal to plant 25 million trees by 2030.
He said Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change, highlighted the country’s readiness to participate in global carbon markets.
Onuigbo said during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, leaders noted the urgent need to meet the SDGs by 2030, noting that 600 million Africans still lack electricity and 970 million lack clean cooking facilities.
He said clean energy was crucial for reducing emissions and supporting vulnerable communities.
“Nigeria has taken clear steps towards addressing lack of access to electricity and clean cooking through the movement of electricity from the Exclusive List to Concurrent List and the subsequent enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.
“This was signed into law by President Tinubu about ten days after assumption of office. In addition, the Federal Executive Council in early April, 2024 approved a National Policy on Clean Cooking.
“One thing has been established beyond doubt: Climate Change is borderless and affects everybody”, he said.
The World Environment Day is celebrated every June 5 annually to encourage communities to take action towards protecting the environment.
It is also to advocate for policy changes and promote environmental policies at local, national, and international levels.
Meanwhile, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Alike-Ndufu, Ebonyi State, has commended Onuigbo for sponsoring Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, 2021 in the 9th National Assembly.
Nwajiuba made the commendation during the 2024 World Environment Day celebrating at the National Roots Crops Research Institute, Umidike, Abia State where Onuigbo delivered the keynote address.
He acknowledged the importance of the Act which he described as Sam Onuigbo Climate Change Act.
He urged Nigerians, both in private and public sectors to join hands and fight climate crisis, adding that it was an existential threat. (NAN)
