Some stakeholders have canvassed for the support of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), non- governmental organizations and others for initiatives to drive Climate Change Act effective enforcement and engender sustainability.
The advocacy was made by the stakeholders at the American Business Council (ABC) and Lagos Business School (LBS) Sustainability Law Review with the theme: “Pathway to Implementation for a Successful Energy Transition”.
The event was held on Friday in Lagos.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the immediate former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Climate Change Act to provide a framework for Nigeria to achieve climate goals, net zero emissions, long-term social and economic sustainability, and resilience.
Prof. Bankole Sodipo, Senior Partner, G.O. Sodipo and Co., said that effective enforcement of the law was critical to achieving the goals.
Sodipo also stressed the need for massive training for regulators of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to handle the oil and gas sector more effectively.
He urged the OPS, governments and other stakeholders to enlighten Nigerians on best practices to preserve the climate.
“It is commendable that the government has passed both bills into law; so, the work ahead is to ensure implementation,” he asserted.
Ms Damilola Alada, Associate, Bloomfield LP, said that the Climate Change Act served as a mechanism to influence change, show more commitment, give direction and ensure awareness by everyone of the government's position on sustainability.
Alada urged that action plans on the climate change agenda should be broken down into phases and timelines to achieve desired results,” she said.
Ms Lovelyn Aniekwe, representative of Punuka Attorneys, called for incentives for companies with a carbon capture system and utilization for gas.
Aniekwe said that capacity development for stakeholders was important to inform them about the laws.
The Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr Salisu Dahiru, said that plans were underway to decarbonize the Nigerian environment and ensure energy transition.
