Deputy Speaker Advocates Developed Countries’ Assistance to Africa in Combating Climate Change

• Deputy Speaker Kalu called for developed nations to assist Africa in tackling climate change due to the continent’s vulnerability
• He highlighted Nigeria’s legislative efforts and proactive measures to address challenges, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration for peace and justice

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has stressed the urgent need for developed countries to support Africa in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Speaking during the general debate on “Parliamentary action for peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16)” at the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Luanda, Angola, Kalu highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to the climate change crisis.

Kalu recalled that Nigeria’s National Assembly had passed the Climate Change Act to ensure compliance with global standards. He emphasized the responsibility of developed nations to assist Africa, which bears the brunt of climate change.

He stated, “In response to the partnership for climate action, Nigeria passed the Climate Change Act meant to ensure that global standards are met. To live up to the spirit and letter of our dream on climate Change. Developed countries must come to the assistance of Africa who are at the receiving end of Climate Change.”

Kalu also underscored the contributions of the National Assembly of Nigeria in building robust social institutions, promoting peace, and justice as advocated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16).

He highlighted various legislative actions, including the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) aimed at reforming the Nigerian oil and gas sector to enhance transparency, accountability, and attract investments. Kalu also noted improvements to the electoral act, the Federal Character Commission Act to manage diversity, and the Nigerian Criminal Justice Act to expedite justice dispensation.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s recent challenges such as insurgency in the North-East, environmental degradation, and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta region, and regional agitations in the South-East, Kalu emphasized proactive measures taken, including the establishment of development commissions to address these issues.

Expressing concern about violence in Sudan, Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, Kalu urged global leaders to seek solutions rather than resorting to blame, emphasizing the need to address underlying factors contributing to threats against democracy in Africa, particularly the recent coups in some African countries.

Kalu’s remarks underscore the importance of international collaboration and assistance in mitigating the impacts of climate change on vulnerable regions like Africa and the ongoing efforts to promote peace and justice in the country.