By Jude Njoku

Barely five days to the end of the present administration, civil society groups and some concerned legislators have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to sign the Climate Change Commission Bill into law. The bill seeks to create a commission to coordinate Nigeria’s response to the growing disasters caused by climate change.

An estimated 87 million Nigerian farmers face food insecurity as a result of frequent climatic disasters. This is due to the changing rainfall patterns, increased desertification and flooding which pose the greatest challenge to Nigerian farmers, and continue to deepen rural poverty. This puts 42 percent of the GDP currently contributed by agriculture at a great risk.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Grace Bent had promised quick signing of the bill by the President but this is yet to materialise. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by Nigeria today. It is a matter of life and death for millions of Nigerians. The world has acclaimed the work done by the national assembly in passing the climate commission bill. President Goodluck Jonathan will not fail Nigerians”, she promised.