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Climate Change Council Bill Passes Second Reading in Akwa Ibom Assembly

 



The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State Council on Climate Change.

The bill, titled Akwa Ibom State Council on Climate Change Law, 2024 (HAB-362), is sponsored by the Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Oruk Anam State Constituency, Prince Sampson Idiong, with the support of 14 other lawmakers. It scaled second reading during plenary on Tuesday.

Leading the debate, Prince Idiong said the bill aims to domesticate the National Climate Change Act within the state, providing a structured framework for coordinating climate action efforts and related initiatives. He stressed the urgency for Akwa Ibom to align with global climate strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.

According to him, “It is time for Akwa Ibom to proactively adopt climate-friendly policies and institutional frameworks that support environmental protection and sustainability.”

In support of the bill, the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Barr. Otobong Bob, Deputy Leader Dr. Nsidibe Akata (Eket), Hon. Moses Essien (Ibiono Ibom), and Hon. Bassey Pius Bassey (Okobo), all described the proposal as timely and essential. They warned of the growing risks posed by climate change to ecosystems and livelihoods, stressing the need for legislation that would help safeguard the environment.

The lawmakers emphasized that Akwa Ibom must position itself to respond effectively to climate challenges and meet national and international obligations on environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, committed the bill to the House Committee on Environment for further legislative work. He directed the committee to conduct a public hearing and return with a report within one month.

Meanwhile, another bill seeking to establish the Akwa Ibom State Institute for Legislative Studies and Advancement (ILSA), sponsored by Hon. Pastor Ubong Attah (Ibesikpo Asutan), passed first reading during the same plenary. The Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. NsikakAbasi Orok, read the bill aloud, after which it was referred to the Committee on Rules, Business and Ethics for rescheduling.

The House adjourned plenary to resume on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.


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