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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has called for robust partnership between the Executive and Legislature to effectively confront climate risks and harness the opportunities of the green economy.
The Governor, represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Chenge, made the call while opening a one-day Training on Climate Change for Members of the state House of Assembly, yesterday, in Abuja
He said the theme, “Strengthening Legislative Leadership for Developing Climate Change, Resilience and Carbon Budgeting in Benue State,” speaks directly to one of the most critical challenges of our time; how we can protect our people, environment, and economy from the worsening impacts of climate change.
Governor Alia said although the state government has taken some key steps to confront the challenges, a robust partnership with the legislature would fast track solutions to the problem.
According to him, in spite of the efforts, Benue State still bears a disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, as “We have witnessed increasing frequency of floods in Makurdi, Agatu, Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and other riverine LGAs; erratic rainfall affecting crop yield; rising temperatures affecting water security, health outcomes, and rural livelihoods; degradation of forest landscapes, loss of biodiversity, and increased pressure on natural resources driven by population growth and poverty.
“These challenges threaten our agriculture-dependent economy, our infrastructure, and the wellbeing of our people. They therefore demand urgent, coordinated and visionary action.”
The governor charged the legislature to deliver laws to support the executive in tackling the climate change crisis saying “Climate governance begins with strong laws, effective oversight, and a clear budgeting framework. Your role as members of the legislature is indispensable in strengthening the legal framework on climate change by ensuring that the Benue State Climate change Law is passed, gazetted, and evolve to reflect global best practices, national priorities, and local realities.
He said the training would serve as a foundational step toward transforming governance structures and empowering the lawmakers to deliver climate-responsive legislation, which should include
climate-responsive bills and amendments, rigorous oversight, and promoting low-carbon and climate-smart initiatives, and supporting the integration of carbon budgeting into the State’s planning and financial frameworks.
He appreciated Benue State Council on Climate Change and International Alert for providing the technical and financial support for this training, commended the leadership of the Assembly for demonstrating commitment to advancing climate governance in Benue State.
The Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Berger pledged they would take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change on the people and environment.
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“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a development issue, a health issue, and a security issue. It affects every aspect of our lives, and we must tackle it with urgency and seriousness. I’m confident that this training will be a game-changer for our state. We’ll learn from best practices, share experiences, and develop strategies to address climate change in our constituencies.”
The Country Director, International Alert Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Udoh said the training is part of the Powering Peace through Climate Action Project, funded by Irish Aid, supporting the state government to address the growing intersection between climate change and conflict.
He said “This project seeks to strengthen climate governance, promote inclusive dialogue, and equip institutions and communities with the tools to respond to these emerging risks in a peaceful and coordinated manner.”
“As lawmakers, you play an essential role in translating the Climate Change Act into real, actionable, and well-resourced policies. Your leadership in oversight, budgeting, and constituency engagement is indispensable to operationalizing the state’s climate agenda.
The Director-General, Benue State Council on Climate Change, Daniel Mailumo, urged the lawmakers to support the government in shaping the environmental direction of Benue State for the next generation noting that doing so will “protect our farmers, our economy, and the very identity of the food basket of the nation”.
The Secretary to the State Government, represented by Mrs Ngufan Ahenjir, Director of Admin and Supply said “Benue is already experiencing the real impacts of climate change, including flooding, heat stress, environmental degradation, and reduced agricultural productivity.
She said “Addressing these challenges demands strong legislative support, informed decision-making, and modern frameworks that promote resilience and sustainable development.”
She assured that the government remains committed to working with the Assembly to translate the insights gained during the training into effective laws, partnerships, and actions that will secure a greener and more climate-resilient Benue State.
