By James Isaac, Abuja
The Nigerian National Assembly has called on African leaders to intensify efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change, even as some global powers withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Nigeria and Liberia, in a renewed partnership, are working together to tackle this shared environmental challenge.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), made this call on Thursday while receiving a delegation of parliamentarians and environmentalists from Liberia at the National Assembly.
He commended the Liberian team for fostering collaboration between executive agencies at the forefront of protecting forests and natural resources.
“Not only have they come for this interactive visit, but they have also involved their parliamentarians, which is commendable. Lawmakers must understand the work of environmental agencies, their constraints, challenges, and achievements,” Senator Dickson stated.
He stressed the need for African nations to develop homegrown solutions, especially as some leading nations adopt isolationist policies on climate issues.
“Africa must respond appropriately, particularly at a time when some powerful nations are pulling back from global climate commitments. This calls for greater unity among African leaders to craft and implement solutions at national, sub-regional, and continental levels,” he added.
The senator highlighted the devastating impact of climate change across Nigeria, from coastal erosion in the Niger Delta and Lagos to desert encroachment in the North, as well as the shrinking of Lake Chad, which has led to displacement and conflicts.
In a separate session with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Ecology and Climate Change, Hon. Ernest Manseah Snr, who led the Liberian delegation, expressed admiration for Nigeria’s proactive approach to climate change mitigation.
“Nigeria is far ahead in addressing climate change challenges, and we have come to learn from your experiences,” he said.
He emphasized Liberia’s interest in establishing a Climate Fund and seeking Nigeria’s guidance on effective environmental management strategies.
Deputy Managing Director of Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority, Nora Bowier, added that the collaboration aims to help Liberia draft comprehensive climate policies and legislation.
Senators Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) also lauded the Liberian delegation’s visit, urging broader African cooperation in tackling climate change.
“This initiative should be expanded to include more African countries to foster a collective response to environmental challenges,” they said.
The discussions underscored the urgent need for African nations to lead climate adaptation efforts, ensuring sustainable development amid growing ecological threats.
