The Federal Government has consented to furnish a suitable legal framework to aid the implementation of the Paris climate change agreement, Nature News gathered.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State for the Environment, Mrs. Sharon Ikeazor, in Lagos, at a technical workshop organised by Environmental Resource Centre (ERC) and Department of Climate Change (DCC), Federal Ministry of Environment, on Development of Appropriate Legal Framework and Related Advisory Services Under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership’s Climate Action Enhancement Package (CAEP).
Read also: Researchers warn that emissions from industry, agriculture and forests endanger Paris climate goals
Sharon explained that the country needed strong policies and laws to reduce vulnerability and build resilience against climate change and its effects on the humans and the entire ecosystem.
She was represented by the Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of the Environment, Helen Obayagbo, the minister disclosed that the legal working group on climate change, which comprises all relevant departments and agencies of government, private sector, non-governmental organisations and academia would strengthen the country’s delegations in international climate meetings and negotiations through the provision of vital legal services.
According to her, the working group would also provide technical support to the government at federal and state levels as well as other policymakers.
The minister warned that climate change is a reality and shouldn’t be denied because reports have indicated that the negative impacts of climate change such as desertification, water shortage, disease outbreaks, hurricanes, tornadoes, bush fires, rise in sea levels and flooding are challenges to nations including Nigeria.
“Nigeria is already feeling the impact of climate change across all regions. It is imperative that the country comes up with policies and laws capable of reducing the nation’s vulnerability to climate change and build resilience
