Stakeholders within the Environmental sector have urged the National Assembly to prioritise the expedited passage of the Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Bill.
The call was issued during the Global Climate Action Day (#DrawTheLine), an event focused on climate justice that took place in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.
#DrawTheLine, is a worldwide campaign demanding justice for both individuals and the environment.
Speaking on behalf of the Conveners, the Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Dr Michael David said that “the passage of the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Bill is a key step to protect people and the planet.”
David said that debt cancellation for climate financing would enable African countries like Nigeria to channel resources towards resilience and sustainability.
“Our future cannot be mortgaged to the profits of industries that destroy lives and livelihoods. Only active citizens can reclaim our future and ensure justice for generations yet unborn. Together, we march. Together, we demand. Together, we draw the line.
“Today, we join voices with millions around the world for the #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action, a united stand against climate injustice, poverty, environmental destruction, and the silent genocide facing vulnerable communities,” he said.
David urged the government to protect the territories of indigenous peoples and traditional communities across Nigeria and elsewhere, while also supporting climate-led solutions.
According to him, “the climate clock indicates that the world has less than three years before irreversible climate damage occurs if urgent action is not taken.”
“Instead, we demand that public money be invested in building a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.
“As climate impacts escalate, we urgently call for climate finance, especially increased support for adaptation financing to protect vulnerable communities.
“So today we join voices with millions around the world for Draw the Line, a day of global climate action. A united stand against climate injustice, against poverty and against environmental destruction,’’ David said.
Briefing journalists after the road walk, the Country Director of Oxfam, John Makina, said that Oxfam globally is backing the campaign to see how lines can be drawn.
Makina, who was represented by Dr Kenneth Akpan, said they were raising silent issues concerning the climate, especially in vulnerable African countries.
“So today we are backing this campaign to also lend our voice to end poverty, to end injustice when it comes to climate and also even highlight gender justice, which is one aspect that is always very silent when it comes to dealing with climate issues,’’ he said.
Makina promised that Oxfam is also providing capacity training, campaign support, and every resource needed to draw attention.
“I also use this opportunity to call on state governments because we are also pushing for state governments to adopt and also create their own state policies,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Project Coordinator for Oxfam Youth Ambassadors, Francisca Edeh emphasised that young people play a vital role in climate justice.
He urged policymakers to include youth in all decision-making fora on climate justice.