In a significant step towards addressing climate change issues in Adamawa State, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) has supported the Adamawa State House of Assembly with the draft of the Adamawa State Policy on Climate Change (ADASPOCC). The draft policy was presented to the House of Assembly Committee on Environment on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, as part of the Vote4ClimateNG campaign.

The Majority Leader of the Assembly and House Chairperson of the Committee on Environment, Kate Raymond, received the draft bill and expressed the state government’s commitment to domesticating the policy on climate change.

“As time goes on, the draft policy will be presented on the floor of the House as a bill, and the governor will assent to the bill when it is passed because the heartbeat of the governor is on the environment,” she said.

This presentation marks a crucial step towards ensuring that climate change issues are addressed at the state level, reflecting a commitment to political will and the need for continuous monitoring and accountability from civil societies and citizens.

Speaking at the event, our Executive Director, Dr. Michael David, emphasized the importance of this action in empowering sub-national governments to develop the necessary framework and infrastructure to protect their environments.

“Most policies are done at the federal level, and most are not domesticated by states, and this is where the population really exists. So, what we have done is work with members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly to support them in developing a climate change policy for the state. Today we officially present the policy that we helped them to develop,” Dr. David stated.

This development signifies a collaborative effort between civil society and government to ensure that climate change policies are effectively implemented and enforced at the state level, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient Adamawa State.