How Climate Change Act 2021 was birthed

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Former member of the House of Representatives, Sam Onuigbo, has revealed the tortuous journey that led to the enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021.

He disclosed that the bill failed in the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Assemblies despite his sponsorship in the Eighth and only succeeded when he reintroduced it in the Ninth Assembly, where it eventually passed both chambers and received presidential assent.

Onuigbo made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday while receiving the 2025 African Impact Excellence Award conferred on him by the Netherlands-based The Voice News Magazine.

He lamented that many Nigerians remain unaware of key provisions of the Act and the specific roles it assigns to citizens, local, state and federal governments as well as private organisations, adding that wider knowledge of these responsibilities would greatly enhance climate mitigation and environmental sustainability.

A large amount of personal sacrifice, diplomacy and legislative perseverance was required before the bill finally became law, he said.

“When we started, it was like nobody was listening, but today we are happy there is a lot of awareness about climate change in the country,” Onuigbo told guests.

The former lawmaker, who currently represents the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), described the journey as long, difficult and filled with setbacks, yet a collective effort.

While awards and recognitions continue to come his way for sponsoring the landmark legislation, Onuigbo said he remained deeply grateful to his colleagues in the Ninth National Assembly, particularly the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, for providing the institutional support that ensured the bill’s success.

He also paid glowing tribute to his wife, Pastor Dame Chinyere Onuigbo, whom he described as a pillar of strength through prayers, advice and guidance.

According to the organisers, the African Impact Excellence Award is conferred on individuals whose work has significantly advanced development across the continent. Past recipients include the late Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda, former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, and Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Prof. Emeka Nwajiuba, Chairman of the Governing Board of the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), said Onuigbo’s recognition highlighted the growing importance of environmental governance in Africa and Nigeria’s increasing commitment to tackling climate change through legislation and advocacy.