…As Assembly condemns acts causing environmental degradation, others
Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has condemned the negative human activities, causing immense environmental degradation, as well as wrecking havoc on the health being and safety of human and animals in the society.
The speaker, made the condemnation, while declaring open a public hearing on the state climate change bill, organized by the House Committee on Housing and Environment in Lafia.
Jatau, therefore called for a deliberate effort by the stakeholders to mitigate the effect of climate change in the society.
The Speaker, who further lamented the negative effect of climate change, also called on the participants to make critical contributions that will help the assembly enact law to address climate change related challenges.
Musa Ibrahim Abubakar, the member representing Doma South Constituency, who stood in for the speaker, revealed that the House is committed to address the issue of climate change in the State.
“Climate Change has become a serious issue of concern among the international committee of nations, hence the need to join forces together to come out with workable laws that will help to mitigate the devastating effect of the menace.
“The international community is worried about the situation and is working hard to provide solution to the issue, and Nasarawa State can not be seen watching, that is what informed the decision of the assembly to come up with this law” He said.
Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, the Chairman of the Committee and the sponsor of the bill, said the bill is a private member bill developed in partnership with GIF-SEP and OXFAM, international NGOs charged with the responsibility of environmental issues.
“The bill came about after discussion with the NGOs and I deem it necessary for the state to have the bill that will help to mitigate the effect of climate change in the state.”
According to him, the bill if passed into law, Nasarawa will be part of states that will benefit from the international climate financing that will soon come to effect.
David Michael, the Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIF SEP), said Nasarawa State is very vulnerable to climate change, owing to human and industrial activities that is affecting the environment.
He called on government and the citizens of the state to ensure friendly policy is initiated, to mitigate effect of climate change for the good of the people of the state.
Abdulhameed Kwarra, a former lawmaker in the state, appreciated the sponsor of the bill and suggested for a policy formulation and advisory committee that will mainstream climate change.
The Director General, Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority, Muhammad Bello Isa, called for synergy among the line MDAs in the state for success of the law and to avoid clashes of interest in the process.
Barnabas Usman, Director General, NEWMAP, representative of ACReSAL Project, Abdullahi Yusuf Agwai, the Chief Executive Officer, Ecosphere Blue Green Solution, Alhassan Adamu Hussaini, and the state Ministry of Environment, all spoke extensively on the need for the bill to capture the issue of water ways blockages, dumping of refuge in riverine areas, falling of trees and bush burning as it affect climate change.
It was reported that various government and non governmental organisations as well as groups and individuals made comprehensive submissions at the public hearing, where they made a case for funds and other resources necessary to ensure climate change policies and actions are integrated, to promote socio-economic development and environmental integrity.
