By Abbas Nazil
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill establishing a legal framework to mainstream climate change action across the state.
The bill, titled A Law to Provide for Nasarawa State Policy on Climate Change for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Actions in Nasarawa State, seeks to create a Climate Change Advisory Committee and a Climate Change Agency to coordinate and implement climate-related policies.
Speaker of the House, Dr. Danladi Jatau, announced the passage of the bill during plenary in Lafia on Monday, noting that the legislation aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change for the benefit of residents and the environment.
He explained that the Climate Change Advisory Committee, to be chaired by Governor Abdullahi Sule, would provide leadership on policy direction, while the proposed agency would be responsible for developing and enforcing strategies to tackle climate-related challenges.
The Speaker commended Mohammed Omadefu, the member representing Keana Constituency, for sponsoring the bill, and lauded other lawmakers for their contributions that ensured its passage.
He directed the clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for the governor’s assent, marking the final step before it becomes law.
Earlier, Majority Leader Suleiman Azara moved a motion for the bill’s third reading, which was seconded by Minority Leader Luka Zhekaba.
Following unanimous support from members, the Assembly passed the bill, reinforcing Nasarawa State’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
Once signed into law, the bill is expected to guide the integration of climate policies across all sectors, promoting adaptation, environmental protection, and low-carbon growth throughout the state.