Deputy Speaker Kalu Advocates Climate Action at IPU Assembly

During the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (Rep, Bende) advocated for actionable legislative measures to combat climate disasters. He stressed the importance of moving beyond mere pledges to implement practical, bankable actions that benefit economies and communities.

Kalu outlined a structured global legislative intervention based on two pillars: an investor-ready pipeline of priority projects in clean energy, transport, agriculture, resilient infrastructure, and circular economy; and a project-preparation platform to facilitate financing and implementation. He highlighted that climate action in Nigeria is a critical economic issue, not just an environmental concern, and lamented the slow progress in international climate finance.

Kalu indicated that Nigeria seeks investment for climate-resilient projects under its Energy Transition Plan, estimating that achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 will require an additional $500 billion. He called for adaptation investments and legislative measures to enhance climate laws, green finance, and transparent project approvals.