The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to ensure that it implements the Carbon Credit as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of Climate Change in Nigeria with the formulation of an Action Plan that is consistent with Section 20 (1, 2 and 3) of the Climate Change Act, 2021.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sam Onuigbo.
In his lead debate, Rep Onuigbo observed the devastating impact of climate change in the world, particularly in Nigeria with desertification racing southward at a speed of 0.6km per annum, gully and coastal erosions destroying communities and farmlands, thus drying up Lake Chad.
“The House also notes the frequent cases of herders and farmers’ clashes with attendant deaths and flooding across several States, he said.
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He explained that the House was aware that this 9th Assembly passed the Climate Change Bill which was assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 17, 2021, Section 19(i) of the Climate Change Act stipulates that the Federal Ministry of Environment shall, in consultation with the Federal Ministry responsible for National Planning set Carbon Budget for Nigeria to keep average increases in global temperature within 2°C and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“The House is also aware that Section 4(i) and (j) mandate the National Council on Climate Change to collaborate with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to develop a mechanism for Carbon Tax in Nigeria and collaborate with the Federal Ministries responsible for Environment and Trade to develop and implement a mechanism for Carbon Emission Trading, “he noted.
Speaking further, he said, “The House is further aware that Section 20(4)(a) of the Climate Change Act states that “the Action Plan shall serve as a basis for identifying the activities aimed at ensuring that national emissions profile is consistent with the Carbon Budget goals.
He maintained that the House was aware that Legislators had the responsibility to ensure that measures are taken to avert the devastating impacts of climate change, hence, the House strongly advocates that Nigeria implements the law on Carbon Credit (reward system) as part of the several measures that can be taken towards reducing the impacts of climate change in the country.
Story was adapted from the Nigerian Tribune.
