Benue Gov. Alia Calls for Stronger Executive–Legislature Collaboration to Address Climate Change Challenges

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature to effectively tackle climate-related threats and leverage the prospects of a green economy.

Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Chenge, the governor made the appeal in Abuja while declaring open a one-day Climate Change Training for members of the State House of Assembly.

He noted that the theme of the event, “Strengthening Legislative Leadership for Developing Climate Change, Resilience and Carbon Budgeting in Benue State,” directly addresses a defining challenge of the era: safeguarding the populace, environment, and economy from the intensifying effects of climate change.

Governor Alia explained that though his administration has already initiated key interventions to mitigate these impacts, stronger synergy with the legislature would accelerate progress. He highlighted the establishment of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, the development of a Climate Change Policy and Action Plan aligned with Nigeria’s NDCs, enhancement of early warning and flood response systems, and construction of major flood control projects in vulnerable areas.

He also listed the deployment of solar-powered streetlights across major cities, collaborations with development partners and private sector actors to mobilize climate finance, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture through extension support, climate-smart inputs, and water-efficient technologies.

Despite these strides, the governor stressed that Benue remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks.

He cited growing incidences of flooding in Makurdi, Agatu, Guma, Logo, Katsina-Ala and other riverine communities; erratic rainfall affecting farm yields; increasing temperatures that threaten water resources, public health and rural livelihoods; forest degradation; biodiversity loss; and mounting pressure on natural resources driven by population growth and poverty.

“These challenges threaten our agriculture-based economy, our infrastructure, and the wellbeing of our citizens. They require urgent, coordinated and visionary action,” he said.

He charged lawmakers to enact laws that will bolster the Executive’s efforts in addressing climate threats. According to him, climate governance rests on strong legislation, effective oversight and clear budgetary frameworks. He urged the House to ensure the passage, gazetting and periodic review of the Benue State Climate Change Law to align with global benchmarks, national targets and local realities.

He encouraged the Assembly to set standards for adaptation, mitigation and resilience; collaborate with the State Climate Change Council in creating a carbon budgeting framework; and institutionalize carbon accounting, reporting and verification systems. He further urged them to update land use, agro-climatic, watershed management, energy and environmental laws to reflect climate-smart principles while ensuring accountability in the use of funds earmarked for resilience efforts. Legislators, he said, must also engage their constituents to promote tree planting, clean energy adoption and sustainable land practices.

Governor Alia described the training as crucial, noting that it should serve as a foundation for strengthening governance structures and supporting lawmakers to produce climate-responsive bills, enforce strong oversight, promote low-carbon initiatives and integrate carbon budgeting into government planning and finance.

He expressed appreciation to the Benue State Council on Climate Change and International Alert for their technical and financial support, commending the Assembly leadership for its commitment to advancing climate governance.

In his goodwill message, Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, pledged that the legislature would adopt proactive steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

He stressed that climate change is a multifaceted issue that affects development, health, security and daily life, expressing optimism that the training would significantly strengthen the state’s response.

Dr. Kingsley Udoh, Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, noted that the training falls under the Powering Peace through Climate Action Project supported by Irish Aid. He said the initiative aims to strengthen climate governance, deepen inclusive dialogue, and equip stakeholders with tools to manage climate-related risks peacefully and effectively.

He emphasized the lawmakers’ pivotal role in translating the Climate Change Act into actionable, well-funded policies, particularly through budgeting, oversight and constituency outreach.

Hon. Aondofa Daniel Mailumo, Director-General of the Benue State Council on Climate Change, called on lawmakers to help shape the state’s environmental future in a way that protects farmers, the economy and Benue’s identity as the nation’s food basket.

Representing the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Ngufan Ahenjir observed that Benue is already experiencing severe climate impacts including flooding, heat stress and declining agricultural productivity. She said strong legislation and informed decision-making are essential for building resilience.

She reaffirmed the government’s readiness to work with the Assembly to translate insights from the training into effective laws, partnerships and actions for a greener and more climate-resilient state.

The training session was attended by all members of the Benue State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Alfred Emberga.