A former member of the National Assembly that represented the Ikwuano/Umuahia North /Umuahia South Federal constituency, Chief Sam Onuigbo says the Legislature is critically strategic in realising a country capable of meeting its climate goals and obligations through making Laws, providing oversight, engendering knowledge sharing with constituents and holding everyone accountable.
Chief Onuigbo who was speaking as a Guest Lecturer at the Maiden edition of climate justice and just energy transition in developing countries conference held in honour of the 60th birthday celebration of the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Fedreal University, Ndiufu Alaike, AE-FUNAI, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba at the Coal City University, Enugu made it clear that without legislative backing, governments cannot be legally bound totheir climate change obligations.
Citing UK, Kenya and Uganda as countries that made critical legislations towards the attainment of climate change goals, the former National Assembly Member who is also member (South East), Governing Board and Chairman of the committee on security, climate change and special interventions, North East Development Commission(NEDC) called for the inclusion of climate change studies in the education curricular of the country.
He however lauded the steps taken so far by the Federal Government to address the climate change challenges in the country, pointing out that decisions such as launch of presidential initiative for compressed natural gas, flagging off the Nigeria Carbon market activation plan, signing of $500 million renewable energy pact and gas export deal with Germany are indications that President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure a green environment. 
“Apart from the constitution and inauguration of the National council on climate change and its secretariat by President Buhari, President Tinubu has further taken some very bold steps. In an opinion piece. In an opinion published on CNN, Mr President affirmed this commitment to the country’s climate change actions thus – Nigeria has taken significant steps and acted decisively in enacting the climate change Act and committing to net –zero emissions between 2050 and 20070 “Onuigbo emphasised.
Chief Onuigbo commended the organisers of the conference for this rare effort and declared that no other honour could be more befitting in honouring Professor Nwajiuba who has made great sacrifice towards guaranteeing a safe and green environment.
In their speeches, the Acting Executive Secretary National Universities Commission, Ambassador Chris Maiyaki represented by Dr. Biodun Salihu and the Vice Chancellor AE-FUNAI Prof Sunday Elom described issues of climate change as vital to the the survival of a modern society and congratulated Prof Nwajiuba on his 60th birthday celebration.
The event which attracted notable personalities and distinguished members of the Academia featured presentation of papers on varied topics and the cutting of birthday cake by the celebrant assisted by his wife, family and distinguished personalities.
