Sustainability and climate action must be embedded across all sectors of the economy to ensure long-term development and economic resilience
Rep. Sam Onuigbo Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North East Development Commission (NEDC), made this known in an interview at a book launch on “Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future”.
The book was written by Dr Chika Chukwudi, an expert in Blue Economy.
“Climate action has evolved from a mere policy aspiration into a national imperative due to Nigeria’s increasing climate vulnerability.
“I remain deeply conscious that Nigeria’s future hinges on how effectively climate action is embedded on all sectors of the economy.
“This publication comes at a defining moment in Nigeria’s developmental journey, when sustainability is no longer aspirational, but foundational to our economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and inter-generational prosperity.
“President Bola Tinubu made this clear when he stated, ‘the fight against climate change is not merely an environmental necessity but a global economic opportunity’.
“It is within this robust legal, policy, and institutional framework that the blue economy finds its strongest expression as a catalyst for sustainable growth.”
Onuigbo urged Nigerians and policy makers to ensure that they mainstream climate actions in all their development plans.
“As a futuristic legal framework, the Climate Change Act acknowledges the importance of nature-based solutions by clearly providing for it in Sec 27 thus:
“The Council shall adopt and promote nature-based solutions to reducing Green House Gas emissions and mitigating climate change issues in Nigeria,” he explained.
The chairman said that the present administration has demonstrated commendable resolve in implementing the Climate Change Act as a guiding light for national climate action.
“A key initiative that stands out among these is the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The ministry is strategically designed to enhance the country’s ocean resources while promoting sustainable economic growth by maximising Nigeria’s 853 kilometres of coastline and an expansive maritime area of 46,000 square kilometres.
“The Ministry aims at sustainable use of ocean, sea, coastal, and inland water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems.”
Onuigbo added that the ministry reflects a deliberate policy shift towards recognising marine and aquatic resources as central to sustainable national development.
“Through this dedicated ministry, the government created a focused framework for managing and developing sectors, such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and inland waterways in a coordinated and sustainable development programme.
“The Climate Change Act 2021, particularly with its emphasis on nature-based solutions, as well as integrating Natural Capital Accounting, is a forerunner in the establishment of the ministry.
“By recognising ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, oceans, and coastal habitats as essential tools for climate mitigation and adaptation, the Act underscored the need for institutional structures capable of managing these natural assets sustainably.
“In Section 29(1), the Act stipulate that the Council shall collaborate with and equip the National Bureau of Statistics for developing Nigeria’s Natural Capital Accounts.”
He said that the blue economy therefore represents far more than the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources, adding that it is a gateway to economic diversification, climate resilience, job creation, and long-term national competitiveness.
“Chukwudi’s work speaks powerfully to these imperatives, offering timely insights that will enrich policy formulation, guide industry practice, and advance academic and professional discourse.
“I commend her thought leadership and applaud the organisers and stakeholders for this laudable initiative, which further strengthens Nigeria’s climate and sustainability architecture.”
Onuigbo called on the Federal Ministry of Education to explore avenues to implement Sec 26 of the Act, which mandates the integration of climate change into the various disciplines and subjects across all educational levels.
By Abigael Joshua