With Climate Change Act, Nigeria Set To Retrieve The Planet From Reckless Past, Says Rep. Onuigbo

Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Abia State, Rep. Sam Onuigbo has said with the recent signing of Climate Change Bill sponsored by him into an Act by President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria has joined frontline nations of the world who have taken deliberate and sure steps towards retrieving the planet from our reckless past and saving it for generations yet unborn.

According to the lawmaker, this historic development is already creating positive vibes for Nigeria in the international community, adding that it is surely a colourful contribution to the global stature of Nigeria.

In a press release titled, “Climate Change Act: Nigeria Joins Leading Nations in Move to Save The Planet” he said the National Council on Climate Change headed by the President will have members drawn from various strata of the society to give climate change the needed attention it desires.

“It is important to note that the Climate Change Act makes provisions for the constitution of a National Council on Climate Change headed by the President, with members including Ministers of relevant Ministries, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, President of ALGON, National Security Adviser, representatives of the youths, Persons Living with Disabilities, women, climate-related NGOs, the private sector, etc. The all-encompassing nature of the composition of the Council is to ensure that the voices of all is heard. The high-level nature of the Council was intentional. Climate Change is a serious issue which demands the highest level of attention— the type that will elicit serious responses.

“The Act further sets up the Climate Change Fund to be administered by the Council. This fund will be channeled towards adaptation efforts, support for innovations that will lead to decarbonization, investments into green economy, support for nature-based solutions such as REDD+ and the Great Green Wall Initiative, and many more. It also sets a net zero emissions target for the country while setting up five-yearly carbon budgets and annual carbon targets. There are also provisions for proper oversight on Nigeria’s Climate Change efforts by the National Assembly and a communication process that is time-bound, and public.

“The first part of a very important journey has been done. Proper implementation demands full attention and action by all of us. Together, and only together, can we realize our objectives and set our country on the path of an important transition to green and sustainable economy. Make no mistakes about it, the world is transiting and we must join or wake up in a few decades an impoverished and uninhabitable country with stranded assets.”

He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Bill into an Act as well as leadership of the National Assembly.

“I will like to thank His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for exhibiting selfless and precocious leadership. He is a jinx breaker and has kept the promise he made to Nigerians on May 29, 2015, during his inaugural address. Worthy of commendation are also the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, all members of the National Assembly, the bureaucracy of the National Assembly led by Arc. Ojo Amos Olatunde, the incomparable Minister of State for Environment, Chief Sharon Ikeazor, the Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice, Hon. Abubakar Malami SAN, my colleagues in Climate Parliament Nigeria and GLOBE Nigeria, members of the diplomatic mission especially the British High Commission and the U.S Embassy, climate activists in the country for consistently pushing for this, youths and women, the technical team of professionals who worked with me on the Bill, members of the media, and others.”