Reps charge MDAs on climate change preparedness

The House of Representatives committee on Climate Change has called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to brace for the challenges of tackling climate change by commencing preparations towards meeting Nigeria’s commitment at the recently concluded COP21 meetings in Paris, France.

Chairman of the Committee, Sam Onuigbo who gave the charge at a meeting with heads of MDAs, development partners and civil society organizations held at the national assembly, advised that 2016 budgetary proposals may need to be retooled to accommodate measures aimed at tackling climate change.

Noting that Nigeria is expected to ratify the Paris 2015 Agreement and initiate programmes to actualise Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, Onuigbo said MDAs must evolve practical steps have they taken towards actualising the Presidential and national commitments.

The meeting which dwelt on several issues including previous efforts towards climate change impact awareness, mitigation and adaptation; challenges associated with previous efforts; budgetary provisions to improve on efforts; and need for more integrated approach in climate change project design and implementation, agreed that “reconsideration of the budget 2016 proposals is particularly necessary to identify likely policy and budgetary gaps and to lay solid foundation for the actualization of the overall aim of the contributions.”

According to the chairman, “these responses will reshape our current efforts and task our national institutions and capabilities to upgrade to new and innovative approaches,” adding that “we must not allow ourselves and our nation to be outpaced in these national and international actions that are required to create sustainable and climate-friendly solutions. Let us work together and let us remain focused. Let us exercise leadership by being proactive.”