At the 6th Annual Legislative Summit on Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Health held in Abuja, environmental advocates and health experts renewed calls for increased investment in green and renewable energy across Nigeria.
The summit, which brought together government officials, legislators, and development partners, focused on the urgent need to integrate sustainability into health and climate policies.
Speaking at the event, Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, represented by Hon. Maureen Maremo, stressed the need for government preparedness in addressing the growing intersection between health and climate change. She noted that climate-related health challenges are on the rise, calling for stronger legislation and expanded funding for green energy infrastructure in hospitals and health institutions nationwide.
“Health workers must be adequately equipped to respond to emerging environmental challenges through improved administrative and management skills,” she said, adding that a healthy population depends on a sustainable environment.
In his keynote address, Dr. Alex Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the organization’s efforts in promoting climate-smart solutions. He revealed that WHO had implemented solar power projects in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States as part of pilot initiatives to enhance energy sustainability in the health sector.
“Climate change and its impacts can no longer be ignored. We must act now to strengthen resilience and promote sustainable energy systems that protect both people and the planet,” Dr. Chimbaru stated.
Also speaking, Rita Michael Ojo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Environmental Summit Group, emphasized that Nigeria can no longer afford to overlook the growing threats of environmental degradation, global warming, and climate change. She urged all stakeholders to adopt a unified approach in tackling these challenges.
At the close of the summit, participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between policymakers, the private sector, and international development agencies in advancing renewable energy solutions. They agreed that investing in clean energy is not only critical to mitigating climate change but also essential for improving public health and achieving sustainable national development.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
