Climate change experts and stakeholders have called on African leaders to urgently adopt the Draft Model Climate Change Law to accelerate efforts in combating environmental challenges across the continent.
The proposed law aims to promote sustainable development by reinforcing the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It establishes a legal framework for climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience building. However, only a few African nations, including Uganda, Nigeria, Benin Republic, South Africa, Mauritius, and Kenya, have passed the law through their parliaments, raising concerns among stakeholders.
This issue was discussed at the “Validation Retreat on the Draft Model Climate Change Law for Africa” held in Abuja. Themed Strengthening National Parliaments for Oversight in Climate Action, the event was organized by the African Group of Negotiators Expert Support (AGNES) in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) and other partners.
Stakeholders warned that failure to pass the law is preventing many African countries from accessing global climate funds essential for tackling environmental crises. NILDS Director-General, Abubakar Sulaiman, emphasized that 2025 presents fresh challenges, with developed nations likely to politicize their commitments to climate agreements.
“The world is getting warmer, and Africa must coordinate its climate policies to mitigate losses and damages caused by climate change,”Sulaiman stated. He pointed out that Africa lags in global climate negotiations because nations engage individually rather than as a unified bloc, weakening their influence at the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COPs).
Sulaiman highlighted that the lack of a robust legal framework is a significant barrier to effective climate action. Even in countries with climate laws, such as Nigeria, gaps remain that require urgent legislative interventions. He urged African nations to adopt the model climate change law developed by AGNES to align their legal frameworks and unlock access to international climate finance.
“This model law offers a blueprint for nations without existing legislation to establish strong climate policies while helping those with existing frameworks to identify and address gaps,” he explained. “Adopting this approach will enable African countries, including Nigeria, to secure global climate funding to finance climate-responsive public services and sustainable development initiatives.”
Sulaiman also stressed the need for increased funding to combat climate threats, particularly in Nigeria. He noted that while dredging major rivers and dams is essential to mitigate floods, public funding remains inadequate. He cited that only 0.03% of Nigeria’s proposed N14.85 trillion capital expenditure for 2025 is allocated for such projects, calling for higher budgetary commitments.
AGNES Team Lead, D. George Wamukoya, reiterated the retreat’s purpose—to finalize a standardized climate change law for African nations. “We have developed a draft climate change law, and once refined, we will roll it out to various African countries,” he stated. He acknowledged conflicts between climate change organs in some nations and stressed the need for legislative clarity to resolve such challenges.
As climate change continues to pose severe risks to Africa’s development, experts emphasize that adopting a harmonized legal framework will enhance the continent’s ability to tackle climate crises, secure international funding, and drive sustainable growth.
