Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Dr Danladi Jatau, has called for deliberate efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on society.
The speaker made the call while declaring open a public hearing on the Nasarawa Climate Change Bill, organised by the House Committee on Housing and Environment on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Lafia, the state capital.
He condemned harmful human activities that are causing harm to public health, the safety of humans and animals, and contributing to environmental degradation.
Jatau, who lamented the negative impacts of climate change, urged participants to make contributions that would assist the Assembly in passing a law capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Represented by the Member, Doma South Constituency, Mr Musa Ibrahim, the speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing climate change in the state.
“Climate change has become a serious issue of concern among the international community of nations.
“Hence, the need to join forces and come up with workable laws that will help to mitigate the devastating effects of this menace.
“The international community is deeply concerned about the situation and is working hard to provide solutions.
“Nasarawa State cannot afford to be a bystander, this is what informed the Assembly’s decision to propose this law,” he said.
Jatau explained that the bill is a private member’s bill sponsored by the Chairman of the Housing and Environment Committee, Mr. Mohammed Omadefu, in partnership with GIFSEP and OXFAM.
GIFSEP stands for Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation.
He appreciated all who took part in the public hearing, saying their participation reflected genuine concern for climate change issues.
“And how to address the challenge before it causes serious damage to the health and wellbeing of the people,” he added.
Chairman of the Committee and sponsor of the bill, Mr. Mohammed Omadefu, stated that the bill was developed in collaboration with GIFSEP and OXFAM, international NGOs focused on environmental sustainability.
“The bill was the result of discussions with the NGOs, who deemed it necessary for the state to have a legal framework to mitigate the effects of climate change,” he said.
He added that, once enacted, the law would position Nasarawa among states eligible to benefit from upcoming international climate financing initiatives.
During the hearing, Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr David Michael, noted that Nasarawa is highly vulnerable to climate change due to human and industrial activities impacting the environment.
He called on both the government and citizens to work together to implement people-friendly policies aimed at mitigating climate change for the benefit of the state.
By Awayi Kuje