By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Nigeria will continue to support international partnerships and protocols aimed at climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability and energy transition, the newly inaugurated President of GLOBE Legislators, Sam Onuigbo, has said.

Onuigbo gave the assurance in his acceptance speech after assuming office during the 35th anniversary celebration of GLOBE International held at the Churchill Room of the House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom, London, on Wednesday.

The former Nigerian lawmaker, who became the first African to emerge President of the global legislators’ organisation, said Africa and Nigeria would remain committed to global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

Tracing the history of GLOBE International, Onuigbo noted that the organisation had played a critical role in guiding parliamentarians worldwide in establishing frameworks for climate action.

“We must commend them for 35 years of intensive efforts which have seen the organisation evolve from convening legislators on a cross-party basis to becoming the focal point of the UNFCCC Parliamentary Group, where it now brings together parliamentary networks across the world to work collaboratively,” he said.

According to him, GLOBE hosted the first Parliamentary Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai, repeated the initiative at COP29 in Baku, and is preparing to do the same at COP31 in Antalya.

“These pavilions provide a point of convergence for legislators to share ideas, showcase their work and gain insights from experts across the many fields of climate action,” he added.

Onuigbo commended parliamentarians from the United Kingdom, Africa, Europe, Asia, Central and Latin America, and the Pacific region for their contributions to advancing global climate action.

Recalling Nigeria’s involvement with GLOBE International, the former lawmaker, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021 during the Ninth National Assembly, praised former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for introducing the organisation to Nigeria and supporting its expansion across Africa.

He pledged to build on the organisation’s achievements and strengthen parliamentary efforts to drive climate action globally.

“As we enter a new era, it is my firm commitment that we will continue to build on the ideals and vision of this great organisation. This is a torch handed to us by great men and women, and we will not allow it to dim,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the anniversary event, “Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges,” Onuigbo said he would work closely with the board, staff and partners of GLOBE to address emerging climate challenges.

He outlined plans to promote green investments, climate initiatives, targeted training programmes, strategic advocacy and greater parliamentary involvement in climate governance.

“Under my leadership, GLOBE will expand opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity development and peer learning, while strengthening partnerships with governments, development agencies, civil society organisations and the private sector,” he said.

According to him, the organisation will also champion climate education at all levels to equip future generations with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to tackle environmental challenges.

“If countries promote climate literacy, environmental stewardship and practical understanding of sustainability, young people will be better prepared to address future environmental challenges,” he said.

A major highlight of the ongoing London Climate Action Week is the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit (NCIS), where Nigeria is showcasing opportunities in carbon markets and energy transition investments.