A two time House of Representative Member for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo says Nigeria’s future hinges on how effectively climate action is embedded on all sectors of the economy.
Hon. Onuigbo who currently serves as the Member Representing South East on the Governing Board of North East development Commission, NEDC who made this known in his Goodwill Message at the launch of the book; “Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future” written by Dr. Mrs. Chika Ethel Chukwudi held recently at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja described the publication as one which comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s developmental journey, when sustainability is no longer aspirational, but foundational to the country’s economic resilience, environmental stewardship and inter-generational prosperity.
The former federal lawmaker who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, 2021 which has remained the legal fulcrum for coordinated, cross-sectoral climate action involving public institutions, the private
sector, civil society and development partners, therefore congratulated Dr. Mrs. Chika Ethel Chukwudi on the formal unveiling of her seminal work.
Part of his message reads “I remain deeply conscious that Nigeria’s future hinges on how effectively climate action is embedded in all sectors of the economy.”.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu made this clear when he stated, “the fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity.” pointing out that it is within this robust legal, policy and institutional framework that the blue economy finds its strongest expression as a catalyst for sustainable growth.
Hon Onuigbo who is also the Chairman of Committee on Security Climate Change and Special Interventions in NEDC, pointed out that the federal government under President Tinubu has demonstrated commendable resolve in implementing the Climate Change Act as a guiding light for national climate action.
He expressed delight that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy which was created by the same act, is working to enhance the country’s ocean resources while promoting sustainable economic growth by maximizing Nigeria’s 853 kilometres of coastline and an expansive maritime area of 46,000 square kilometres.
On the blue economy where the book mainly focused on, the Former National Assembly Member explained that it represents far more than the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources but also a gateway to economic diversification, climate
resilience, job creation and long-term national competitiveness.
According to him, Dr. Chukwudi’s work speaks powerfully to these imperatives, offering timely insights that will enrich policy formulation, guide industry practice and advance academic and professional discourse.
“I, therefore, wholeheartedly enjoin this august gathering and others who could not attend in-person to purchase this seminal work and enrich their knowledge.”
He further used the forum to plead with Nigerians and policy makers to ensure that they mainstream climate actions in all their development plans.
“On this note, I wish to call on the Federal Ministry of Education to explore avenues to implement Section 26 of the Act, which mandates the integration of climate change into the various disciplines and subjects across all educational levels,” he concluded.
