ABUJA- Dr Sam Onuigbo, a former Lawmaker, has extolled President Bola Tinubu‘s extraordinary leadership towards advancing climate action in Nigeria.
Onuigbo, Member representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) said this while fielding questions as a guest on NTA “Good-Morning-Nigeria” show.
The former lawmaker, who also sponsored the Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, commended Nigeria to have gained a lot from COP28.
He also chaired the Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions at the NEDC and former Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
“President Tinubu is leading negotiations and bilateral meetings, in order to ensure that the country strikes deals and agreements that will help the country gain ground in low carbon industrialisation, food security, energy.
“President Tinubu’s first action in showing how seriously he took the conference was in mandating his ministers and other personnel to approach COP28 with seriousness.
“This is also to ensure they return with partnerships that will help the country grow,” Onuigbo said.
The former lawmaker cited paragraphs 23, 24, 25 of Tinubu’s Budget presentation, saying they reflect his administration’s commitment to leverage opportunities of COP28 and advance Nigeria’s increased climate action.
On the achievements recorded at COP28, Onuigbo referred to the historic Loss and Damage Fund operationalisation; the commitment of countries to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“Specifically, the commitment of the US, China, the UAE, and the European Union, there is the need for Africa to leverage on this.
“The enormous attention being paid to sustainable food systems and its importance for Nigeria, as it aligns with Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food insecurity in the country”.
He, further highlighted the launch of Nigeria’s Long Term Low Emissions Development Strategy; adding that the President’s presence at COP28 and leading bilateral conversations is an added advantage to Nigeria.
“Nigeria signed an agreement for accelerated action with Siemens to boost electricity generation; the President’s commitment to roll-out 100 electric buses as an initial step to decarbonising the transport sector.
“Kenyan President, William Ruto, publicly commended President Tinubu as an example of African leaders’ willingness to take difficult decisions that will help advance climate action.
“Ruto said, by removing petroleum subsidies and signing into law the Electricity Act 2023, Tinubu showed the courage to decarbonise Nigeria’s economy, and place the country’s pathway to sustainable development,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to rally round Tinubu to advance the nation’s action plans towards achieving sustainable growth.
The New York-based Business Insider had on Nov. 27, 2023, recognised Onuigbo as one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change.
The Business Insider’s Climate Action-30 had also identified Onuigbo among 30 top global activists, business leaders, academics and community leaders who work to advance climate and environmental solutions. (NAN)
