OPENING REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, (DR.) ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF NIGERIA, AT THE WEST AFRICAN REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE ROLE OF AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIANS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PARIS CLIMATE CHANGE AGREEMENT, HELD IN ABUJA ON NOVEMBER 22, 2018.
PROTOCOL.
1. It is a pleasure to be at the first West African Regional Workshop on the Role of African Parliamentarians in the Implementation of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. We are most happy to welcome the delegates, fellow parliamentarians from across Africa, to this maiden edition of the West Africa Regional Workshop holding here in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja.
2. I must commend the joint effort of the Federal Government of Nigeria, ECOWAS, African Development Bank, Climate Parliament and the Nigerian Chapter of the Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment (GLOBE) for seeing to it that a workshop on the ‘Challenges and Prospects’ is actualised, especially now that the issue of Climate Change demands the urgent attention of leaders all over the world.
3. Fellow Parliamentarians, it will be recalled that in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first ever global climate deal at the Paris Climate Conference. Thus, the adoption of the Paris Agreement and development of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 45 African countries are an indication that the continent is fully on board regarding the realisation of the climate change actions.
4. This Workshop is therefore a regional stock-take on where we are on the implementation of the Paris Agreement, with a view to reviewing strategies, and to set ambitious but realistic targets for ourselves.
5. Let me state that, as legislatures, our roles in ensuring that these climate actions are domesticated in our various countries via robust legislations and polices, cannot be overemphasised. We must therefore scale up our efforts and support actions that are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all our countries, for the sake of our planet.
6. On our part as a parliament, the 8th National Assembly takes very seriously the issue at stake; and we have passed the National Climate Change Bill. With this piece of legislation, Nigeria is on track to achieve Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which requires world leaders to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
7. You will agree with me when I say that, as a region, we cannot isolate ourselves from the global community, nor can we turn a blind eye to the threat of global warming and climate change in our various countries. Indeed in many respects, we are already seeing the adverse impacts of climate change in the guise of very real problems including: desertification, food insecurity, health concerns as well as communal crises and conflicts. I therefore enjoin us all to work together at this Workshop concerning this issue, because what affects one, affects all. We, as the representatives of the people, must continue to vigorously pursue the domestication of the climate actions at all levels of government in our countries, in the interest of our people.
8. As earlier alluded, Nigeria, like many other countries in the West African region, is already witnessing the effects of global warming and climate change. This year, many states in Nigeria have suffered devastation as a result of excessive rainfall which led to flooding. It is clear, therefore, that we must continue to take proactive steps that will help avert, or at the very least minimise, the impact of climate change on our environment.
9. May I also observe that, while acknowledging the need for parliamentarians to be equipped with the necessary skills to influence national processes with regard to the NDCs, it will also be valuable to present climate change narratives in a manner that is convincing and scientifically fool-proof.
10. Climate change is not a myth but a reality that requires concerted efforts at curbing the potential impacts on our world. We, as responsive and responsible parliamentarians, must urgently embark on serious environmental reforms in our various countries that would promote better understanding on early warning signals, emergency preparedness and risk mitigation.
11. I want to assure you of the Nigerian Parliament’s unwavering commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We will continue to engage with the Executive and all relevant agencies with a view to ensuring that the country does not veer away from the core essence of the Agreement.
12. On a larger canvas, it is pertinent to state that African populations must continue to take full responsibility for ensuring that the continent remains environmentally safe. While we are ready to work with international partners who desire the same solutions that we do, we must first demonstrate that as Africans, we are committed to safeguarding the lives of our people to protect the environment for the sake of future generations.
13. It is on that note that I, on behalf of the leadership and entire members of Nigeria’s National Assembly, hereby formally declare this Workshop open. No doubt, with the calibre of parliamentarians here present, robust discussions and deliberations will be brought to bear on the pressing issue of Climate Change.
Thank you.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
