Minister: Passage of climate change bill shows reps’ commitment to Paris agreement

Sharon Ikeazor, minister of state for environment, says the passage of the climate change bill by the house of representatives shows their commitment to the implementation of the provisions of the Paris agreement. 

Ikeazor, who said this in a statement on Friday, commended the lawmakers for the decision.

The house of representatives had, on July 13, revisited the climate change bill which had been previously denied assent by the president during the eighth assembly.

Sam Onuigbo, sponsor of the bill, said the joint review committee has addressed all the contentious clauses cited by the president, after which the lawmakers passed the bill.

Ikeazor said the bill, when passed into law, will give legal backing to the revised national climate change policy (NCCP) and the climate change programmes for Nigeria approved by the president earlier in June.

“The passage of the bill was a clear indication of the commitment of the house to work with the executive to implement provisions of the Paris agreement on climate change, as well as support the commitment of the President to fight climate change,” Ikeazor said.

“The bill is of environmental significance as it seeks to provide a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas emission (GHG), inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development.

“The legal document will also ensure compliance for the attainment of a net-zero GHG emission target for the year 2050 – 2070.”

She said the bill, when passed into law,  will also enable the country to design measures for tackling climate change and bring about sustainable economic development.

“When passed into law, the revised bill is expected to be of significant importance to the country as it will be in tune with emerging issues on climate change and design implementation measures that will mitigate climate change, promote low-carbon and develop high growth economic indices that would strengthen adaptation towards a climate resilient development pathway and sustainable livelihoods in the country,” the minister said.

Ikeazor also noted that the economic benefits of the bill will include mobilising financial resources to support climate change actions, as well as collaborating with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to develop a mechanism for carbon tax in Nigeria.