Alfred Emberga Raises Alarm Over Climate Change, Backs Law to Strengthen Environmental Protection in Benue
Speaker advocates carbon budgeting, climate council, and coordinated action as stakeholders support bill to safeguard livelihoods and boost sustainability.
The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Alfred Emberga, has stressed the urgent need to confront climate change, describing it as a serious threat to sustainable development and the wellbeing of communities across the state.
Emberga made the assertion while delivering his keynote address at a public hearing on a bill aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for climate change action, including carbon budgeting and the creation of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, held on Monday in Makurdi.
The Speaker warned that the increasing incidents of flooding, irregular rainfall, and environmental degradation require immediate, coordinated, and policy-driven responses to mitigate their impacts.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that promote environmental protection, strengthen climate resilience, and ensure sustainable management of natural resources.
According to Emberga, effective collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and the private sector is essential to drive climate-smart initiatives capable of protecting livelihoods, particularly in agrarian communities vulnerable to climate variability.
He also called on citizens to adopt environmentally responsible practices, noting that addressing climate change requires both institutional commitment and community participation.
The Speaker further assured that the Assembly was ready to provide the necessary legal framework to support climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in the state, emphasizing that the proposed legislation represents a strategic intervention rather than routine lawmaking.
He noted that the consequences of climate change were already evident in Benue, particularly through unpredictable weather patterns and increasing agricultural challenges affecting food production and rural livelihoods.
Emberga stressed that inclusive stakeholder participation remained critical in developing an effective law that would not only protect the environment but also unlock green economic opportunities for the state.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Benue State Climate Change Council, Dr. Daniel Mailumo, commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his commitment to domesticating climate change legislation.
Mailumo explained that the proposed law, when passed, would provide safeguards for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and farmers who face the greatest risks from climate change.
He pledged the council’s full support in working with the Assembly to ensure the legislation adequately addresses the environmental challenges confronting the state.
Also speaking, Barrister Terna Gwar, representing the Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Prof. Timothy Ornguga, emphasized the need for clarity in defining the powers of the proposed climate council and recommended the establishment of dedicated funding mechanisms.
He further advised that any introduction of carbon tax measures should be carefully harmonized with the Benue Internal Revenue Service to prevent duplication and ensure effective implementation.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the bill, if passed, would strengthen environmental governance, protect livelihoods, and position Benue State on a sustainable and environmentally responsible development path.
