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Torkwase Nyiekaa
Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the newly inaugurated President of GLOBE Legislators, has outlined an ambitious agenda aimed at strengthening climate governance, promoting sustainable development and deepening parliamentary engagement in global efforts to address climate change.
Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act, unveiled his vision during his inauguration as President of GLOBE Legislators at the organisation’s 35th anniversary celebration held at the Churchill Room of the House of Commons in London.
The event brought together lawmakers, climate advocates and development partners from Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific to review GLOBE’s contributions to environmental governance and chart a path for future action.
In his inaugural address, Onuigbo pledged to strengthen legislative responses to climate challenges, expand climate education initiatives, promote green investments and foster greater collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, development institutions and the private sector.
According to him, climate action must move beyond international commitments and be firmly anchored in national legislation, effective oversight and public accountability.
Paying tribute to the founders of GLOBE Legislators, including former United States Vice President Al Gore, former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and lawmakers from Europe, Japan and Russia, Onuigbo recalled that the organisation was established in 1991 to ensure that global environmental agreements are translated into practical policies and laws at the national level.
He noted that over the years, GLOBE has played a significant role in advancing bipartisan parliamentary action on climate change, biodiversity protection and efforts to combat desertification across different regions of the world.
Reflecting on his personal journey in climate advocacy, Onuigbo said his participation in the GLOBE Legislators Summit during the COP21 climate conference in Paris was a defining moment that inspired him to champion climate legislation in Nigeria.
“The summit challenged parliamentarians to return home and pursue climate legislation. I came back to Nigeria and never looked back. Today, Nigeria’s climate action journey has advanced significantly because of the Climate Change Act,” he said.
Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, signed into law in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, established a comprehensive legal framework for climate governance, carbon reduction targets and the country’s transition towards net-zero emissions.
Onuigbo described the legislation as a testament to the critical role parliaments can play in shaping national responses to climate challenges.
He also highlighted GLOBE Legislators’ growing influence within international climate processes, particularly through its role as the focal point for the Parliamentary Group of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
According to him, the organisation has strengthened the voice of lawmakers within global climate negotiations through initiatives such as the Parliamentary Pavilions at successive Conferences of the Parties (COPs), including COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Baku.
He disclosed that preparations were already underway to sustain the initiative at COP31 in Antalya.
Outlining key priorities for his tenure, Onuigbo identified climate education as a critical component of sustainable development, arguing that future generations must be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to address emerging environmental challenges.
“We will advocate the mainstreaming of climate education globally to build a generation that is informed, innovative and prepared to lead the transition to a sustainable future,” he stated.
The new GLOBE President also announced plans to expand the Student-MP Climate Surgery initiative, a programme first introduced in Nigeria in 2022 to create direct engagement between young people and policymakers on climate issues.
According to him, greater youth participation is essential if climate policies are to reflect the aspirations and concerns of future generations.
He further called for stronger partnerships among lawmakers, governments, donor agencies, development finance institutions, academics and civil society groups to accelerate progress on climate action and sustainable development.
“Without parliaments, we cannot achieve anything. As GLOBE rightly stated in 2023, parliaments make COPs Count. There will be no meaningful progress in climate action without parliaments,” he said.
Onuigbo also acknowledged the contributions of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, whom he credited with supporting the introduction and expansion of GLOBE activities in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the ceremony, he described his election as both a recognition of past achievements and a responsibility to sustain momentum in the global climate movement.
“From the inspiring message of our co-founder and former US Vice President, Al Gore; the message of hope and support from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Nigeria, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; to the charges from Mr Kamal Kishore, Special Representative for the UN Secretary-General, UNDRR; Mr Nick Mabey OBE, Founder and Chair of London Climate Action Week and CEO of E3G; and Mr Pablo Vieira, Head of the NDC Partnership, for me, it was a moment reflective of the need for sustained growth. I assure all that we will not let this light dim.”
He added: “I thank the host, Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, former UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero; my beloved wife, Pastor Dame Princess Chinyere Onuigbo; my friends, family and colleagues who came from far and wide to support me; the entire Members of Parliament from across the world; and development partners who joined us at this momentous occasion.”
Founded in 1991, GLOBE Legislators is recognised as the world’s first cross-party network of parliamentarians committed to advancing climate action and sustainable development through legislation, oversight and international cooperation.
Observers say Onuigbo’s emergence as President of the organisation underscores Nigeria’s growing profile in global climate diplomacy and highlights the increasing influence of African lawmakers in shaping international responses to climate change, environmental sustainability and development challenges..
