By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe

Former Nigerian lawmaker and climate advocate, Chief Samuel Onuigbo, has been inaugurated as President of GLOBE Legislators at the United Kingdom Parliament, a development that further strengthens Nigeria’s profile in global climate governance.

The inauguration took place during the 2026 London Climate Action Week and brought together parliamentarians, policymakers, development partners and climate leaders from across the world to advance legislative action on climate change and sustainable development.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Onuigbo described the occasion as both humbling and inspiring, saying it provided an opportunity to reflect on GLOBE Legislators’ more than 35-year history of promoting parliamentary collaboration on climate action and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the event featured goodwill messages from several global leaders, including former United States Vice President and GLOBE co-founder Al Gore; Governor of Tokyo and former GLOBE Japan President Yuriko Koike; Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Kamal Kishore; Founder and Chair of London Climate Action Week, Nick Mabey; and Global Director of the NDC Partnership, Pablo Vieira.

According to Onuigbo, the messages underscored the importance of stronger international cooperation in addressing climate challenges.

“The charge is simple—we will not let this light dim,” he said, pledging to build on the organisation’s legacy by strengthening parliamentary leadership on climate action worldwide.

He expressed appreciation to the host of the event, former UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart MP, as well as his wife, Pastor Dame Princess Chinyere Onuigbo, family members, colleagues, parliamentarians and development partners for their support.

Beyond the inauguration, Onuigbo participated in several high-level engagements during the London Climate Action Week.

He served as a panellist at the State of Climate Politics forum organised by E3G at Mansion House, where he spoke on the theme, Reframing Climate Action in the Face of Divided Politics.

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, he highlighted the broad stakeholder consultations that culminated in the enactment of the Climate Change Act, describing the legislation as a landmark achievement that continues to shape the country’s climate policy.

The panel featured international experts, including Agnes Dasewicz of the Global Energy Alliance, Jennie King of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue and the Center for Climate and Security, Barbara Buffaloe, Mayor of Columbia, Missouri, Joanne Yawitch of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit, and Kate Hampton, Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

Onuigbo stressed that despite growing geopolitical tensions, governments and institutions must continue to build consensus and implement practical climate solutions.

A major highlight of the week was the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS), which Onuigbo convened in partnership with GLOBE Legislators and SOStainability.

The summit sought to mobilise climate finance and attract investment into Nigeria’s green economy while showcasing opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable development.

The event attracted senior government officials and international stakeholders, including Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Enugu State Government represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Lang, Sustainable Energy for All CEO Damilola Ogunbiyi, Climate Investment Funds CEO Dr. Tariye Gbadegesin, Pablo Vieira, and the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, represented by Chief Frank Owhor.

According to Onuigbo, the summit reinforced Nigeria’s growing appeal as a destination for climate investment and highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development.

He added that discussions focused on strengthening partnerships to support innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses advancing climate resilience and clean energy initiatives across Nigeria.

Looking ahead, Onuigbo disclosed that discussions were already underway to expand climate action initiatives beyond London.

He commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for announcing plans to host a Lagos Climate Action Week in partnership with GLOBE Legislators, SOStainability and the organisers of the London Climate Action Week.

According to him, the initiative would position Lagos and Nigeria as leading centres for climate innovation, investment and policy dialogue in Africa.

Onuigbo said his inauguration marks not only a personal milestone but also the beginning of renewed efforts to strengthen parliamentary leadership, deepen international cooperation and accelerate global climate action.