The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for urgent and coordinated action on climate change, warning that Nigeria faces mounting environmental threats that could deepen poverty and food insecurity across the country.
Kalu issued the call following his successful defence of a doctoral thesis titled “Government Capacity to Integrate International Climate Adaptation Strategies and Policies in Nigeria“ at Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja), where he earned a PhD in Policy and Strategic Studies.
The lawmaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, stressed that climate change is already fuelling devastating consequences for millions of Nigerians.
“Nigeria’s climate vulnerability is multifaceted. The northern regions experience prolonged droughts, contributing to desertification and diminishing agricultural productivity. In contrast, the southern coastal areas face rising sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and flooding, which threaten livelihoods and infrastructure,” he stated.
According to him, the country’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture further compounds the crisis.
“These environmental challenges have reached alarming proportions, with the 2024 flooding events alone damaging over 1.5 million hectares of cropland across 29 states, affecting more than 9 million people, and contributing to acute food insecurity for approximately 25 million Nigerians — a number projected to rise to 33 million by mid-2025,” Kalu noted.
The Deputy Speaker said he pursued his research to identify how Nigeria can better integrate international climate policies into national frameworks and build stronger resilience to future environmental shocks.
“I did not come to the University of Abuja to acquire a title. I came to pick up instruments, bricks that would help in our nation-building efforts,” he explained.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening local academic institutions and urged young Nigerians to take advantage of homegrown opportunities.
“While we have opportunities to study overseas, it’s important that we look at the institutions we fund as government. It increases the credibility of local institutions,” he said.
“I came here to inspire the younger generation. What they are looking for out there is actually here. I have studied in institutions around the world and I can tell you, this university delivered quality education.”
Kalu also revealed that he attended lectures in disguise to be treated like every other student, saying many only discovered his political identity toward the end of his studies.
“I would wear my face cap and my T-shirt and attend classes, sitting at the back of the class. You wouldn’t know that I’m the Deputy Speaker,” he said.
“Universities are not for fanfare. They are there to help the nation grow. What we’ve developed through this research will be heard in the National Assembly to show that this university is contributing to our nation-building.”
PIAK