By Abbas Nazil
The Benue State Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Odoh Ugwu, has raised concerns over major gaps in the drafted Climate Change Bill, warning that unclear institutional roles could undermine effective implementation of the proposed law.
He made the observation during a technical review meeting of the bill in Makurdi, where stakeholders gathered to assess the document before it is presented for legislative consideration.
Ugwu explained that the absence of clearly defined and differentiated responsibilities among institutions could lead to overlapping functions, duplication of efforts, weak accountability and possible conflicts between agencies.
According to him, such shortcomings could significantly weaken the state’s ability to coordinate climate action and deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits to residents.
The commissioner urged participants at the review session to provide technical input that would ensure clarity in institutional naming, placement, reporting lines and coherence with existing laws and structures.
He stressed that the bill represents a positive step by Benue State to domesticate the national Climate Change Act and formally institutionalise climate governance at the state level.
Ugwu noted that for any legislation to function effectively, roles and responsibilities must be clearly assigned, well harmonised and free of contradictions that could obstruct enforcement.
He described the engagement as a purely technical exercise aimed at strengthening the draft bill rather than a public hearing or political debate.
The commissioner also commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for prioritising environmental sustainability and expanding the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment to fully accommodate climate change as a dedicated department.
He said the move reflected the administration’s seriousness in addressing climate challenges and positioning the state for long-term resilience.
Civil society groups, lawmakers, legal experts and academics were acknowledged for contributing to the review process and supporting the development of a robust climate framework for the state.
Executive Director of Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative, Aver Akighir, welcomed the bill as timely and urged participants to ensure it becomes inclusive, especially for persons with disabilities.
She emphasized the importance of leaving no one behind and aligning the climate law with the state’s recently passed disability legislation.
Akighir encouraged a holistic and critical review process to produce a law that reflects the needs of all segments of society.
Officials from the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change presented an overview of the bill, highlighting its potential impact if properly enacted.
Stakeholders noted that the climate law could boost economic opportunities through projects such as dam construction for irrigation, afforestation initiatives and year-round farming.
They added that effective climate governance would enhance resilience, improve livelihoods and support sustainable development across Benue State.
