Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, a former two-term member of the National Assembly and sponsor of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act 2021, has warned that many Nigerians remain unaware of critical provisions of the law, despite its direct impact on national development and citizens’ well-being.

Onuigbo explained that the Act outlines responsibilities for individuals, local and state governments, federal institutions, and the private sector, stressing that understanding these obligations is key to effective climate mitigation and environmental sustainability.

He made the remarks while receiving the 2025 African Impact Excellence Award, conferred by Netherlands-based The Voice News Magazine at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The ceremony brought together diplomats, policymakers, and development advocates to celebrate transformative contributions across Africa.

Reflecting on the challenging journey to enact the country’s first comprehensive climate legislation, Onuigbo recalled:
“When we started, it was like nobody was listening. But today, we are happy that there is a lot of awareness about climate change in the country.”

Representing the South-East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Onuigbo described the legislative process as marked by personal sacrifices, extensive consultations, and repeated setbacks.

He emphasised that while he has received numerous awards for sponsoring the bill, its success was a collective effort.

He paid special tribute to the 9th National Assembly, particularly former Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, whom he described as a resourceful leader whose support was pivotal to the bill’s eventual passage.

Onuigbo recounted that the Climate Change Bill failed in both the Sixth and Seventh Assemblies and did not pass even after he sponsored it in the Eighth Assembly.

“It was not until I re-sponsored the bill in the Ninth Assembly that it eventually passed and received Presidential assent,” he said.

Onuigbo also acknowledged his wife, Pastor Dame Chinyere Onuigbo, as a steadfast pillar throughout the legislative journey:
“My wife has been very, very solid — in prayers, in advice, and in guidance.”

The African Impact Excellence Award recognises individuals whose work significantly advances development in Africa. Past recipients include Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former President of Zambia; Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone; Mrs. Isaura Nyusi, former First Lady of Mozambique; Prof. PLO Lumumba; and Ambassador Fatou Bensouda, former ICC Prosecutor.

Stakeholders at the event, including Prof. Emeka Nwajiuba, Chairman of the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), said Onuigbo’s recognition underscores the growing importance of environmental governance in Africa and highlights Nigeria’s commitment to institutionalising climate action through law, policy, and public advocacy.

Over the years, Onuigbo has received multiple honours for his legislative leadership. In 2021, he was named Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker by the House of Representatives Press Corps.

In May 2023, he was inducted into the first-ever National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame, becoming one of only five lawmakers out of 469 and the only inductee from Southern Nigeria.

On 27 November 2023, Business Insider recognised him among the 30 Top Global Leaders on Climate Action, and on 28 November 2023, the 10th House of Representatives named him a Worthy Ambassador of the House.

Currently, Onuigbo chairs the Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions at the NEDC, continuing to champion climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives.