Lawmaker Solicits Support In Tackling Climate Change

By Aisha Adesanya

In a rallying call to address the pressing issue of Climate Change, the sponsor of the Climate Change ACT, Samuel Onuigbo who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State in the 8th and 9th Assembly has urged Nigerians to join hands as stakeholders in the battle against this global threat.

Onuigbo, an environment activist, who was a Former Chairman House Committee on Climate Change, made the call at a News Conference in Abuja.

According to him, this became necessary given the growing adverse effects of Climate Change in the country such as unpredictable weather patterns, rising temperatures, flooding, and environmental degradation.

He explained that an all-encompassing approach involving governments, businesses, communities, and individuals is imperative in effectively mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria.

Onuigbo further emphasized the need for collective efforts in grassroots sensitisation to enlighten Nigerians on the negative impact of
Climate change which he observed knows no boundaries, and affects communities across Nigeria, from urban centres to rural communities.

He noted that individuals either in rural or urban settings can contribute significantly to the collective effort through sustainable lifestyle choices, responsible consumption, and advocacy.

Onuigbo stated that
education and awareness campaigns are instrumental in fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the populace hence the need to leverage on traditional rulers to help enlighten Nigerians at the grassroots as engaging communities is vital to fostering climate resilience, as local knowledge can inform adaptive strategies and enhance the effectiveness of interventions.

The Climate Change advocate who further stressed that Government entities play a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies that promote sustainable practices, regulate emissions, and encourage the use of renewable energy sources
advised businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices, invest in green technologies, and adhere to environmentally responsible operations.

The Former Chairman House Committee on Climate Change commended the Tinubu led administration for the giant strides taken so far to mitigate the effects of climate change in terms of reducing the level of carbon emissions and leaning towards renewable energy.

He reiterated the need to put in place measures to preserve nature, ensure food security as well as tripple resources to enable Nigeria migrate from Fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Onuigbo also urged the Federal Government to be intentional in its efforts to mitigate the negative effects of climate change by leveraging on the upcoming 28th session of the Conference of the Parties COP 28 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in the United Arab Emirates later this year to promote a sustainable future for Nigeria.

Edited By Grace Namiji