Addis ababa: Former lawmaker Sam Onuigbo, known for sponsoring Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, has urged African nations to take ownership of their climate future by establishing a continent-wide climate agency. Onuigbo made this appeal during his address at the 14th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XIV), which is currently taking place at the UN Conference Centre in Addis Ababa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Onuigbo emphasized the importance of Africa setting its own climate agenda, given its wealth of critical minerals and its geographical advantage of being surrounded by oceans and seas. He advocated for a shift from merely presenting climate priorities to actively shaping the financial and implementation strategies that will directly impact Africa’s climate future.
Onuigbo highlighted the need for tangible actions, stating that the transition from pledges to implementation is the ultimate test of climate ambition for African countries. He stressed that commitments must evolve into actionable laws, budgets, and projects that deliver measurable outcomes for African populations. Onuigbo underscored the significance of defining clear climate commitments, detailing responsibilities, costs, and financing mechanisms.
He called for strong African leadership anchored in robust institutions, capital, and authority to drive the continent’s climate agenda. Onuigbo also suggested that Africa must harness its public resources, including pension and sovereign wealth funds, to attract larger investments. He advocated for equitable international financial support that respects Africa’s self-determined development pathway.
In his remarks, Onuigbo encouraged African governments and legislative bodies to establish enduring systems that withstand political changes and electoral cycles. He noted the central role of parliaments in this mission, as they are responsible for budget approvals, legislation, and overseeing executive accountability.
Commending the collaborative efforts of the African Union Commission, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the African Development Bank, PACJA, and Afreximbank for organizing the conference, Onuigbo highlighted the significance of such gatherings in fostering Africa’s climate leadership. The CCDA-XIV conference in Addis Ababa is set to continue until September 9.