The Benue State House of Assembly has conducted a public hearing on a bill seeking to mainstream climate change actions and establish the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat, along with other related matters. The hearing took place on Monday at the Assembly’s Hearing Hall in Makurdi.
During the public hearing, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, represented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Thomas Dugeri, acknowledged the severity of the global climate crisis. The Speaker noted that the effects of climate change are already evident in Benue, citing unpredictable weather patterns and emerging challenges in agricultural land practices.
“This bill is not just a piece of legislation; it is a vital step toward securing a resilient and sustainable future for all of us,” the Speaker stated.
The Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Water Resources and Environment, Hon. Michael Audu, urged all stakeholders to contribute effectively to ensure the law functions as intended.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, represented by Barr. Terna Gwar, emphasized the bill’s importance. He noted that the law would institutionalize climate control while generating revenue through carbon taxes and creating employment opportunities.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Odoh Ogwu, called for the active involvement of all stakeholders, specifically the Ministry’s Department of Climate Change, to ensure the law’s effectiveness.
In their respective contributions, stakeholders including Dr. Alfred Jimin, Dr. Kwaghsende, Hon. Theresa Dewua, and several others urged the House to refine the legislation to make the state more attractive to international donors and development partners. They also advised lawmakers to ensure inclusion of all relevant parties during the process to prevent any conflicts following the bill’s passage.
Earlier, Director General of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, Dr. Daniel Mailumu, explained that the law would enable the Council to collect data, project climate risks, and manage carbon budgets. It will also provide essential guidelines to MDAs and private entities to meet the targets set out in the state’s Climate Action Plan.
The bill, which has already passed its second reading, is aimed at empowering Benue State to formulate and implement programs for long-term climate mitigation and adaptation. Once passed, it will facilitate the coordination of actions necessary to meet the state’s environmental objectives.
Furthermore, the legislation intends to align climate actions with national development priorities and mobilize the financial resources required to foster a green economy. The bill also ensures that climate policies are integrated with broader socio-economic goals to maintain environmental integrity across the state.
If passed and signed into law by Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, the act will establish the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat, and the Council will be authorized to create and execute policies regarding all climate-related issues in Benue.
The Council will be responsible for coordinating sectoral targets, regulating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and overseeing the state’s Climate Action Plan. It will also manage the Climate Fund established by the law and ensure climate considerations are woven into national development programs.
Additionally, the Council will collaborate with the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) to develop carbon tax mechanisms and emission trading schemes. It will also be tasked with disseminating information on climate risks, local vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies.
