Climate change and ecology bills make up 1.4 percent of the 1175 House bills which were processed in the first year of the 10th House
Climate change is a pressing issue in Nigeria, where the nation has long suffered from its adverse effects, yet little has been done to tackle this critical challenge.
Over the past year, the House of Representatives processed only 16 bills addressing climate change and ecological concerns, focusing on areas such as environmental sanitation, climate preservation and ecology.
READ ALSO: 10th NASSREPORTCARD: climate change gets 10 of 475 bills sponsored in senate
Nigeria faces significant challenges due to climate change’s impact on its diverse ecosystems, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. These factors contribute to environmental degradation and threaten the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The urgency for intervention
Flooding is one of the major climate-related issues affecting the country. Recurring floods have displaced citizens, caused injuries, fatalities and even resulted in death tolls. A recent example is the flooding in Borno State in early September, which destroyed properties and displaced many residents.
Additionally, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has issued warnings to 11 states about potential flooding due to water releases from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon. These events underscore the need for focused attention on climate change and ecological issues to prevent further damage.
As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Nigeria faces challenges in securing necessary resources for adaptation and mitigation. Lawmakers must prioritise these issues to build a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for both the Nigerian people and ecosystems.
10th NASS Report Card: Read up on the performance of senators and members of house and other specialized categories here
