The Rivers Network of NGOs (RINNGOS) has hailed the passage of the Rivers State Climate Change Bill into law.
The Bill was given assent by the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday.
Commending the move, President of RINNGOS, Dr. Mina Ogbanga noted that in accordance with the Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (CCA), 2021, the new law will support the establishment of a Secretariat to the National Council on Climate Change.
It will also see to the development of a Carbon Budget for Nigeria with the aim of attaining net zero emission between 2050-2070.
Amongst other provisions by the law, it will set up the Climate Change Fund to provide funding for activities geared towards attaining Nigeria’s Climate Change obligations.
“It is important to note that the powers conferred on the Council in the Act, the setting of Carbon Budgets and allocation of emission reduction targets to private and public entities, and the “watchdog” role of the Council through the Secretariat.
Furthermore, the powers of the Council allow it to seek and adopt plans that will help the country in transiting to a net zero economy.