Benue Assembly Holds Public Hearing On Climate Change Bill
By Bridget Tikyaa
Benue Assembly Speaker, Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga
The Benue State House of Assembly has convened a public hearing to get strategic inputs from stakeholders for the Climate Change Bill currently before the Assembly.
In a message to the opening of the public hearing on Monday in Makurdi, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, urged stakeholders to contribute to the bill, which aims to safeguard the state’s environment and future.
In the message delivered by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sir Thomas Dugeri, the Speaker noted the gravity of the impact of climate change to the state’s weather patterns, which has already disrupted agriculture, which is the mainstay of Benue’s economy.
”As Speaker of the House, I understand the gravity of the climate crisis. Its effects are already being felt across Benue State, from unpredictable weather patterns to challenges in our agricultural practices,” he said.
He described the bill as more than an ordinary legislation, but a significant move to mobilise resources and expertise to confront the challenges headlong.
”This bill is not just a piece of legislation; it is a vital step towards securing a resilient and sustainable future for all of us,” Emberga said, adding that the public hearing provides an essential platform for citizens, experts, and development partners to share insights and recommendations to ensure the law is inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of all communities.
”We encourage open and honest dialogue. Your contributions whether you are a farmer, a business owner, a community leader, or a concerned citizen are essential to crafting a bill that is both effective and inclusive.”
The Benue State Climate Change Law, 2026, outlines a comprehensive framework for climate action, including carbon budgeting and the establishment of the Benue State Council Climate Change Secretariat.
The bill also provides a framework for mainstreaming climate change actions, establishment of a system of carbon budgeting, and the creation of the Benue State Council on Climate Change Secretariat.
It further includes provisions to ensure low greenhouse gas emission, coordination of climate initiatives, mobilization of resources, and the integration of climate issues into development planning for the socio-economic development of the state.
The Bill also provides for long-term targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070, in line with Nigeria’s international climate commitments, while strengthening resilience, adaptive capacity, and sustainable livelihoods across both public and private sectors.
When enacted, the legislation will apply to all ministries, departments, agencies, and private entities in Benue, thereby positioning the state on the path of environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
