House of Representatives member, Mr. Terseer Ugbor has expressed concern over the rate his Kwande/Ushongo constituency, once rich in forestry and renowned for its Rosewood, commonly known as ‘Madrid,’ has now been entirely depleted, leading to loss of revenue and economic activity for his constituents.

Ugbor has called for massive reforestation and climate smart agriculture to tackle the challenges of climate change and food shortages in Nigeria.

Hon. Ugbor made these known Thursday while speaking as a panelist at the Nigerian Climate Change Forum held in Abuja, where he urged governments at all levels to adopt nature based solutions by prioritising afforestation and smart agricultural initiatives to combat climate change and food insecurity in the country.

He stated: “As long as we don’t prioritize tree planting and reforestation, we will continue to lose habitat and biodiversity, and we’ll continue to suffer the effects of climate change.

“This is why we’re having massive desertification, droughts, and irregular rainfall, which is contributing to the challenges we’re facing in Nigeria.

“So, as a Parliament, our priority is to advance policies and legislation that seek to address these things.

“For example, we’re trying to improve the Environmental Impact Assessment Act to include the social components so it becomes an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, to enable us to evaluate the effects of our activities not only on the environment but also on the welfare and livelihoods of our people and communities.”

The forum was attended by key stakeholders in the environment sector from the public and private sector, including Commissioners of Environment, Advisers, and Director Generals of Climate Change Agencies, Development Partners, Banks, Oil and Gas companies,

Minister of Environment , Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim in her opening speech reiterated the federal government of Nigeria’s commitment under the under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards a gender-responsive approach to climate change where women, children and vulnerable groups, can be empowered not just as victims, but active agents of change.

The minister listed areas where the ministry has committed to gender inclusive climate change under the visionary leadership President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Nigeria has committed to a comprehensive climate action framework and establishment of a green economy as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

“Accordingly, my Ministry is focused on integrating gender lens into Nigeria’s climate change response and energy transition, ensuring that women and children are at the center of our climate resilience efforts.”

The minister called on international partners, development agencies, and private sector leaders to join in the efforts to foster effective policy development, research, capacity building, and resource allocation, concluding that supporting women-led initiatives will not only empower communities but also accelerate the transition to a green economy.

The forum also attracted representatives from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigerian House of Representatives, Africa Climate Foundation, UNIDO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center, Kenya Climate Innovation Center, Africa Energy Council, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, among others. This strong coalition of stakeholders underscored the need for a collective approach to climate resilience.

A highlight of the NCCF was the robust participation of private sector leaders, demonstrating the essential role of corporate investment in sustainable development. Africa Finance Corporation, Oando Clean Energy, Boston Consulting Group, Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Gains Sahel, CARE, First Bank Group, BURN Manufacturing Co, NLNG, Chevron, and many others provided invaluable support, reinforcing the necessity of public-private partnerships in achieving climate goals.

The NCCF 2025 reinforced Nigeria’s resolve to lead by example in climate resilience, innovation, and policy implementation, setting a precedent for other African nations to follow.

Speaking on the success of the forum, the conference director and representative of the Great Minds Group, organizers of the event, Mr. Akinola Solanke appreciated the level of engagement and support the forum received from all key stakeholders and hinted on a second edition in 2026 to keep the momentum going.

Solanke called on all stakeholders and participants stay engaged and build on the outcomes of the forum and take meaningful action in their respective capacities.