By Abbas Nazil
A former two-term member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has expressed regret that many Nigerians are still unaware of key provisions in the Climate Change Act 2021 and their implications for citizens’ well-being.
Onuigbo, who sponsored the landmark legislation, emphasized that the law outlines responsibilities for individuals, local, state, and federal governments, as well as private organizations, and that awareness of these roles is crucial for climate mitigation and environmental sustainability.
Speaking during a meeting with the Netherlands-based The Voice News Magazine in Lagos, Onuigbo described the legislative process as demanding significant personal sacrifice, diplomacy, and persistent effort before the Climate Change Bill could be enacted into law.
The event, which brought together diplomats, policymakers, and development advocates, celebrated individuals making transformative contributions across Africa.
Onuigbo recounted that early efforts to advance the legislation attracted little national attention, saying, “When we started, it was like nobody was listening, but today, we are happy there is a lot of awareness about climate change in the country.”
He also recalled that the journey to enact the Climate Change Act was long, challenging, and fraught with setbacks, but ultimately a collective effort.
While he continues to receive recognition for sponsoring the bill, Onuigbo expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the 9th National Assembly, particularly former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, whom he described as a resourceful leader providing essential institutional support that facilitated the bill’s passage.
Onuigbo recalled multiple failed attempts to pass the legislation, noting that proposals in the Sixth and Seventh Assemblies were unsuccessful.
Even after sponsoring it in the Eighth Assembly, the bill did not pass, and it was only upon re-sponsorship in the Ninth Assembly that it ultimately received Presidential assent.
The former legislator’s reflections underscore the complexities involved in translating climate policy into law and highlight the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and leadership in advancing environmental legislation in Nigeria.
He stressed that informed citizenry and continued institutional support remain critical to ensuring the effective implementation of the Climate Change Act and fostering sustainable environmental practices across the country.
