A former Federal lawmaker and climate change advocate, Sam Onuigbo, has called for the full integration of climate action and blue economy principles into Nigeria’s national development framework, describing sustainability as central to the country’s economic resilience and future prosperity.
Onuigbo made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of “Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future,” a book authored by Dr. Chika Ethel Chukwudi.
Speaking as a goodwill ambassador, Onuigbo—who represents the South East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and chairs its Committee on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, described the book as timely, “noting Nigeria’s growing climate vulnerability and the urgent need for sustainable economic diversification.”
He said sustainability has moved beyond policy aspiration to a national imperative, stressing that long-term development depends on embedding climate action across all sectors of the economy.
As sponsor of the Climate Change Act, 2021, Onuigbo described the law as the backbone of Nigeria’s climate response, highlighting its provisions on nature-based solutions, emissions reduction, and natural capital accounting.
He cited Sections 27 and 29 of the Act, which mandate the adoption of nature-based solutions and collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics to develop Natural Capital Accounts.
He aligned these efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s position that climate action represents a global economic opportunity, noting that the administration has demonstrated commitment through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to him, “the ministry is strategically positioned to harness Nigeria’s 853 kilometres of coastline and vast maritime territory for sustainable growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods, while safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. It also provides a coordinated framework for sectors such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and inland waterways.”
Key Initiatives
Onuigbo further outlined key initiatives of the current administration, including the National Carbon Market Activation Policy, projected to generate up to $3 billion annually by 2030; the National Carbon Registry; the operationalisation of the Climate Change Fund; updated Nationally Determined Contributions targeting a 32 per cent emissions reduction by 2035; and a $250 million Climate-Resilient Livelihoods Empowerment Programme.”
He also cited Nigeria’s participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week to unlock green finance, the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit aimed at electrifying 300 million Africans by 2030, and international engagements on climate-induced mobility under the Rabat Process.
Describing the blue economy as a catalyst for economic diversification, climate resilience, and national competitiveness, Onuigbo said “Dr. Chukwudi’s book offers insights capable of shaping policy, guiding industry practice, and enriching academic discourse”.
He urged Nigerians and policymakers to support the book and called on the Federal Ministry of Education to implement Section 26 of the Climate Change Act, which mandates the integration of climate change education across all levels.
Commending the author and organisers, Onuigbo stressed that collective action remains critical to securing a sustainable future for generations to come.