COP29: Onuigbo advocates for more climate finance for Africa

Sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act and former Member House of Representatives, Rep Sam Onuigbo, has expressed optimism that COP29 will chart a way forward in tackling climate change in Africa.

Speaking to journalists at ongoing COP29 In Baku Azerbaijan, he lamented that the continent which contributes just 3% of global emissions has not received adequate attention.

According to him, “the USA’s emits about 12.5% of the global emissions with a population that is about 4.23% of the world’s population, while Africa’s population is about 18.3% of the world’s population, and Africa emits about 3% of global emissions.

At the Inaugural Climate Summit by African Heads of State and Government held in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2023, some important resolutions were passed on how Africa should negotiate as a block. I was lucky to participate in the legislative arm of that Summit at the Kenyan National Assembly.”

“The pretences must stop. If we were to do a role reversal for the developed countries who are the highest emitters to occupy Africa’s position and suffer what we are suffering now even when we emit just about 3% of global emissions, they would have solved the problem without pretending to be looking for solutions while constantly mounting road blocks.”

He further stressed that Africa deserve to be supported with necessary funds to address challenges coming from the impacts of climate change.

“Over 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity, while over 930 million Africans do not have access to clean cooking” he added.

Onuigbo also called on the Africa to be united and should speak with one voice during negotiation.

During the 8th Assembly, Hon Onuigbo was Chairman of the House Committee on Climate Change and sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Bill which has been passed into law.