In a bid to bolster its fight against climate change, a high-powered delegation of Liberian parliamentarians and environmentalists has sought strategic collaboration with Nigeria, recognizing the country’s climate policies as a model for Africa.
Led by Hon. Ernest Manseah Snr, the Liberian team engaged with Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Ecology and Climate Change at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.
Their discussions centered on Nigeria’s climate governance framework, particularly its pioneering Climate Change Act, and how Liberia can adapt similar measures to tackle environmental challenges.
Speaking at the Senate session chaired by Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Hon. Manseah Snr highlighted Nigeria’s proactive climate strategies as a benchmark for Liberia’s own climate resilience efforts.
“We have come to learn from you, distinguished members of this committee, on how Nigeria has been mitigating the effects of climate change,” he said.
“In Liberia, we are considering the establishment of a Climate Fund, but beyond funding, we want to tap into Nigeria’s strategies for tackling environmental challenges.”
In response, Senator Dickson emphasized the urgency of African nations working together to combat climate change.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s ‘Climate Change Act—the first of its kind in Africa’ provides a legal foundation for the country’s mitigation and adaptation measures.
“Climate change is a major challenge that requires collective efforts across Africa,” Senator Dickson said.
“Nigeria is ready to support Liberia’s climate initiatives, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership.”
Other committee members, including Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), and Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), applauded the initiative and called for a continent-wide collaboration on climate policies, disaster response, and environmental sustainability.
While discussions focused on policy frameworks, experts have stressed the need for grassroots climate adaptation projects to protect vulnerable communities from rising sea levels, deforestation, and extreme weather events. Liberia, which faces severe environmental threats, hopes to learn from Nigeria’s experience in implementing climate-smart solutions at both national and local levels.
The delegation later proceeded to meet with the House of Representatives Committee on Ecology and Climate Change for further engagements.
As Africa grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, this proposed Nigeria-Liberia partnership could serve as a blueprint for broader regional cooperation—one that not only strengthens climate policies but also empowers communities to adapt and thrive in an era of global environmental uncertainty.
