Lawmakers pass National Climate Change Commission Bill

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed a Bill for the establishment of the National Climate Change Commission.

This is the second time the House is passing the Bill after the harmonised version that was sent to the President was not assented to before the expiration of the last assembly.

Reacting to the bill’s passage the Nigeria Youth Climate Action Network commended the determination of the House for giving legislative backing to issues of climate change.

A statement by Unico Iregbu Kalu and Hamzat Bala Lawal said the act had again demonstrated the legislators’ commitment in setting up a strong institution to coordinate climate change governance.

“We commend the determination of the House and wish to state here that this singular act has again demonstrated its commitment in setting up a strong institution to coordinate the multifaceted nature of climate change governance. It also reveals the desire of the House to protect the future of the younger generations because the youth are going to bear the greater brunt of the effects of climate change if not adequately addressed,’’ it says.

The statement said passing the bill was timely as Nigeria would join the rest of the world in Brazil to discuss strategies of promoting green economy and sustainable development during the Rio+20 conference.

The youth coalition network also called on the Nigerian Senate to pass the bill and urged stakeholders to support it for speedy assent by President Goodluck Jonathan when passed by the two chambers.

The National Climate Change Commission Bill seeks to give the commission the responsibility to regulate and coordinate policies and actions on climate change in Nigeria.

Nigeria Youth Climate Action Network (NYCAN) is a coalition of groups and individuals working to promote youths and climate change activities in Nigeria.

Source: Voice of Nigeria