On Thursday, the House of Representatives urged the Head of Service to establish Climate Change Desks in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the significant challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for coordinated action across various sectors.
Kama Nkemkanma, a representative from Ebonyi State, who sponsored the motion, highlighted the urgent threat climate change poses to Nigeria’s environment, economy, and public health. He noted that the Climate Change Act (CCA) 2021 serves as a legal framework to tackle these pressing issues and underscores the importance of integrating climate considerations into the core operations of federal agencies.
According to Section 22(1) of the Climate Change Act, all MDAs are required to create climate change desks. These desks will play a pivotal role in embedding climate change strategies within the mandates of each agency, facilitating a unified response to the challenges faced by the country.
The House acknowledges that climate change is leading to critical problems in Nigeria, including rising temperatures, deforestation, desertification, and food and water insecurity. These issues threaten the health and livelihoods of many citizens and pose serious risks to the nation’s economic growth. A comprehensive and collaborative approach is essential for mitigating these impacts effectively.
Additionally, the Climate Change Act mandates that the Ministries responsible for Finance, Budget, and National Planning ensure that all budget proposals submitted by MDAs account for climate change considerations. This requirement highlights the necessity of adequate funding and resource allocation in addressing climate-related challenges.
