A delegation of parliamentarians and environmentalists from Liberia has sought collaboration with Nigeria on measures to combat the effects of climate change, which continues to pose significant challenges worldwide.
Led by Hon. Ernest Manseah Snr., the Liberian delegation engaged in separate discussions with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Ecology and Climate Change yesterday in Abuja.
During a session with the Senate Committee chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Hon. Manseah Snr. acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership in climate change mitigation and expressed Liberia’s desire to learn from the country’s strategies.
“We have come to learn from you, distinguished members of this committee, how Nigeria has been mitigating the effects of climate change.
“We want to engage with you and take home remarkable measures being implemented here to confront environmental challenges,” he stated.
He further emphasised Liberia’s plan to establish a Climate Fund but noted that the country seeks to adopt Nigeria’s approaches to tackling climate-related challenges beyond financial resources.
In response, Senator Dickson highlighted the importance of African collective efforts in addressing climate change.
“Climate change is a significant challenge that requires all African countries to put on their thinking caps to devise effective solutions. Here in Nigeria, we have a legal framework with relevant provisions to mitigate its effects.
“This law, the first of its kind in Africa, makes Nigeria one of the leading countries in climate change mitigation efforts,” he explained.
While underscoring the significance of collaboration, he expressed Nigeria’s willingness to visit Liberia to strengthen the partnership.
Other senators, including Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), lauded the Liberian delegation for initiating the partnership.
They also suggested expanding the collaboration to include more African nations to create a united front against climate change.
Following their meeting with the Senate, the Liberian delegation proceeded to the House of Representatives for a similar engagement with its Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
