From Esther Akaa, Lafia
A national coalition of civil society organisations known as Coalition of Climate and Environmental Defenders (CCED), has urged the National Assembly to build synergy and push for legislation supporting climate action, particularly as it affects women.
Leader of the group, Mr Obadiah Solomon Ovye made the call when the group paid an advocacy visit to the members representing Karu, Keffi, Kokona Federal Constituency, Hon Gaza Jonathan, and his counterpart representing Akwanga Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon Jeremiah Umaru in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the visit was to lobby for a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (EIA) to mainstream Climate Change issues most especially as it has adverse effects on women and girls in the state.
He said the visit was also to advocate for ncreased budgetary allocations in Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAs) such as the Ministry of Environment, National Council of Climate Change (NESREA) among others.
Ovye, therefore called for the resuscitation of the Tudun Wada (Karu) and Lafia waste recycling plants in order to protect the environment.
Responding, Rt. Hon Gaza appreciated the coalition for visiting and making important demands, and promised to work towards meeting up with the demands of the group.
He appreciated the work the 8th House in the Climate Change committee which he said was part of the commitment of the assembly to achieve climate justice.
Gaza further stated that he will look into the EIA Act of 1992 and work towards the implementation of the Act in the state.
He also directed his aid to liaise with the coalition, and make more findings on the waste recycling plant, for better utilisation, as he believes the plant can improve circular economy, increase job creation and improve environmental health.
On his part, Hon Umaru said he will strive to see to the increment of budgetary allocations to the Environmental and Climate Change Agencies to improve lives and reduce the impact of climate induced challenges.
He, therefore promised to utilise his network in the parliament to advance other issues of importance and called on the coalition to develop a proposal to solve local challenges within the state.
