By Esther Akaa, Lafia
The bill for a law to provide for the Nasarawa State Policy on Climate Change for the mainstreaming of climate change actions has passed a second reading at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Environment, seeks to establish a Climate Change Advisory Committee to help plan and implement environmental policies.
Announcing passage of the bill, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Danladi Jatau, commended its sponsor and other honorable members for their contributions and committed the bill to the House Committee on Housing and Environment for further review.
Earlier, Hon. Omadefu emphasized that the bill would address climate change challenges in the state, adding that the proposed advisory committee would promote good environmental policies and actions.
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Other lawmakers, including Hon. Daniel Ogazi and Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, lauded the sponsor’s foresight, noting that the bill would also encourage afforestation and discourage deforestation.
Reacting to the development, Programme Manager at the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Mr. Joseph Ibrahim, commended the collaborative efforts between the state government, civil society organizations, and international partners, citing the African Activists for Climate Justice Project as a key example.
“Through the African Activists for Climate Justice Project, supported by Oxfam, civil society organizations have been empowered to engage with policymakers and influence vital environmental policies. This collaboration has led to significant advancements in the state’s climate change policy and bill.
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“This progress is a testament to the State’s dedication to addressing the pressing issue of climate change,” he said.
He specifically commended the Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Omadefu, for his tireless efforts in advancing the legislation.