From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed into second reading a bill seeking to establish a Climate Change Advisory Committee to address environmental challenges in the state.
The bill, titled A Bill for a Law to Provide for Nasarawa State Policy on Climate Change for the Mainstreaming of Climate Change Actions in Nasarawa State to Provide for the Establishment of a Climate Change Advisory Committee and for Other Related Purposes, was sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Environment.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, announced the bill’s passage into the second reading on Monday after deliberations during plenary in Lafia. He commended the sponsor and lawmakers for their contributions to the proposed legislation.
“I appreciate Hon. Omadefu for sponsoring this critical bill, as well as my colleagues for their insightful contributions. Climate change is a pressing issue, and this bill is a step in the right direction for sustainable environmental policies in Nasarawa State,” Jatau stated.
The Speaker committed the bill to the House Committee on Housing and Environment for further legislative scrutiny, directing the committee to submit its report by February 24, 2025.
Presenting the bill, Hon. Omadefu emphasized its significance in tackling climate change-related challenges and promoting environmentally friendly policies in the state.
“If passed into law, this bill will help mitigate the impact of climate change by ensuring effective planning and implementation of sustainable environmental policies. The establishment of a Climate Change Advisory Committee will also guide the government in making informed decisions on climate-related issues,” Omadefu explained.
Supporting the bill, Hon. Daniel Ogah Ogazi, Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Adamu Oyanki (Deputy Speaker), Hon. Ibrahim Peter Akwe, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, and Hon. Kudu Ajegena all lauded the initiative, stressing its importance in addressing environmental concerns.
“The bill will not only help in reducing the effects of climate change but also encourage afforestation, which will curb deforestation and other harmful environmental activities,” Ogazi noted.
Other lawmakers echoed similar sentiments, affirming that the proposed legislation aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
The bill now awaits further legislative processes before potential passage into law.