CHAIRMAN, Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions Committee on the Board of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rep Sir Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, has extolled Nigeria’s strong showing in Climate Change and Energy Transition.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking Nigeria’s leadership in climate sustainability to greater heights, stressing that the country’s footprints of achievements were well presented at the recent Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit.
Dr Ayoola Brimmo and Rep Sir Sam Onuigbo
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s signature legislation on Climate Change in the Ninth National Assembly, told newsmen in Abuja, Wednesday that he was elated at the way President Tinubu reeled out the country’s positive initiatives on the issues of Climate action and energy transition.
He disclosed that the President’s address at the Summit resonated with a lot of all dignitaries when he declared that “the fight against Climate Change is not merely an environmental necessity, but a global economic opportunity to reshape the trajectory of our continent and the global energy landscape.”
Onuigbo, who was inducted into the National Assembly Hall Fame for his impactful legislative contributions, agreed with the President’s assertions that in 2017 Nigeria became the first country in Africa to initiate funding for green projects through sovereign green bonds proceeds.
He stressed that President Tinubu spoke from the area of strength and conviction when he reminded world leaders and stakeholders that “to succeed, we must innovate, collaborate, and decisively collaborate as a global community.”
Speaking further on his inferences from the Abu Dhabi Summit, Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/ Umuahi North and South Federal Constituency in the Eight and Ninth National Assembly, said his attendance at the 15th Session of IRENA Assembly and the World Future Energy Summit as part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit was very enriching.
“The 15th Session of IRENA Assembly, and the World Future Energy Summit, was part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit 2025.
“I had participated in the IRENA Innovation Day Panel Discussion with Norela Constantinescu, Deputy Director, IRENA – Innovation and Technology Center; Asami Miketa, Head, IRENA – Energy Transition Planning Power Sector Transformation; Patrick Westman, Global Head of Strategy & Policy, ENGIE Energy Access; Pravin B Kumar (GOGLA), Regional Representative South Asia Based in Mumbai, India; Nalin Agarawal, Founding Partner, Climate Collective/Climate Seeds Fund; and Crispan Zana, NEPAD,” he stated.
Onuigbo, who became acknowledged nationally and internationally as the father of climate change in Nigeria after being recognised among the 30 Top Global Change Makers in Climate Change by the Business Insider of New York, USA, said Nigeria has done much in energy transition to earn the respect of international community.
The former legislator said the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative of the Federal Government, Eco Cities initiative, and reforms through the 2023 Electricity Act are some of the success stories recorded by the President Tinubu administration.
He explained that the panel discussion “revolved around the imperatives of innovation in achieving climate resilience through sustainability, drilling it down on how different sectors of human activities should be integrated as we work towards inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development.”
Onuigbo, who is also the South-East Representative on the Governing Board of NEDC, said the outcome of the engagements showed that the time is now for serious investors to come to Nigeria and invest in start-ups, innovations, and other profitable sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“Apart from the huge market, Nigeria has a youthful and educated population with outstanding creative and productive energy. Things are looking up for the country, especially with the bold initiatives and courageous policy implementation skills of the Tinubu administration,” he declared.
