Climate governance expert and legal practitioner Huzi Mshelia has emphasized the urgent need for stronger subnational climate action in Nigeria. Speaking at a recent webinar organized by the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST), Mshelia presented a paper titled “Empowering Climate Resilience: Role of Partnership in Subnational Climate Action,” where he highlighted the critical role of local governments in addressing climate-induced challenges such as flooding, drought, and desertification.

Key Points from Mshelia’s Presentation:

• Frontline Role of Local Governments: Local authorities are closest to communities affected by climate change and are best positioned to implement targeted interventions. However, they often lack the necessary financial and technical resources to respond effectively.
• Legal Frameworks Supporting Subnational Action: Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 and the Electricity Act 2023 provide a legal basis for empowering subnational actors in climate governance.
• Importance of Inclusive Partnerships: Mshelia stressed that building resilience requires dynamic partnerships involving government agencies, civil society, the private sector, academia, and international organizations. Such collaborations can unlock financing, drive innovation, and strengthen local ownership of climate initiatives.
• Principles for Successful Collaboration: Effective partnerships should be grounded in clear governance structures, legal backing, mutual trust, inclusive planning, and flexibility.
• Addressing Social Inequalities: Climate action must consider and address inequalities affecting women, youth, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and displaced communities to ensure equitable and effective responses.

Mshelia’s call to action underscores the necessity of decentralizing climate governance in Nigeria, fostering inclusive partnerships, and empowering local governments to effectively combat the climate crisis.

Source: Nature news