Implement climate change desks now – Reps tell Head Service

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Head of Service to implement the establishment of Climate Change Desks in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The House equally urged all Ministers to ensure their Ministries fulfill the obligations outlined under the Climate Change Act 2021.
The House also mandated the Committee on Public Service Matters to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the Need to Establish Climate Change Desk in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) Sponsor by Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, (LP, Ebonyi).
Speaking on the motion, Hon. Nkemkanma noted that the Climate Change poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s environment, economy, and the overall well-being of its citizens.
He said, “There is an urgent need to sustain collective efforts and foster cross-sector collaboration to effectively address the complex challenges posed by climate change in Nigeria. One of such efforts is the enactment of the Climate Change Act (CCA) 2021, which aims to provide a legal framework for addressing climate change in the country.
According to him, “Section 22(1) of the Climate Change Act mandates all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to establish climate change desks.
“These desks are to integrate climate change considerations into the core mandates of each MDA, ensuring a unified approach to tackling the challenges posed by climate change.
He said, “The House is aware that climate change is resulting in rising temperatures, deforestation, desertification, loss of life and property, displacement, food and water insecurity, and threats to Nigeria’s economic development.
“These challenges require a collaborative and coordinated effort to mitigate the impacts.
“The Climate Change Act stipulates that the Ministries responsible for Finance, Budget, and National Planning must ensure that all budget proposals submitted by MDAs are properly vetted and allocated resources for climate change considerations.
“This requirement he stated, ensures that climate change is not only a priority but also adequately funded. Any MDA that fails to allocate funding for climate change measures will have its budget rejected.”