By Ndudirim Sylvia Iloka
Former lawmaker and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, Sam Onuigbo, has urged Nigerians to move from individual environmental efforts to coordinated national action in tackling climate change.
Speaking at the EnviroNews Media Literacy Training on Climate Change Governance and Gender Mainstreaming in Abuja on Wednesday 13th May, 2026, Onuigbo said climate change had become a direct threat to livelihoods, food security, infrastructure, and national stability.
He warned that rising temperatures, flooding, desertification, and the shrinking Lake Chad Basin were worsening displacement, migration, and insecurity across parts of the country.
The former House of Representatives member described the Climate Change Act 2021 as a major step in placing climate governance at the centre of Nigeria’s development planning. He noted that the law created the National Council on Climate Change to coordinate policies on emissions reduction, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Onuigbo also praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms supporting clean energy transition, including the Electricity Act 2023, expansion of compressed natural gas initiatives, and green financing programmes.
He called on lawmakers, the media, civil society groups, businesses, and young people to play active roles in promoting climate accountability and environmental sustainability.
According to him, journalists remain critical in translating climate issues into public understanding and holding governments accountable for environmental commitments.
Onuigbo further stressed the need for stronger action against environmental pollution under the Minamata Convention, particularly the dangers posed by unsafe mercury use in artisanal mining.
He concluded that climate action was no longer optional, warning that Nigeria’s future development would depend on decisions taken today.
