Chairman of the climate governance council at the Africa Green Economy and Sustainability Institute, Sam Onuigbo, has been inducted as president of GLOBE Legislators, a global network of parliamentarians dedicated to advancing climate action and sustainable development through legislation and oversight.

Mr Onuigbo, a former House of Representatives member who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, was inaugurated during the 35th anniversary celebration of GLOBE Legislators held at the Churchill Room of the House of Commons in London on Wednesday.

A former U.S. vice-president and GLOBE co-founder, AI Gore, urged its new leadership to build on GLOBE’s legacy and accelerate the political leadership needed to confront this global crisis.

The event brought together lawmakers and stakeholders from Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific to reflect on the organisation’s achievements and chart a course for future climate action.

Mr Onuigbo pledged to strengthen parliamentary engagement in global climate action and to build on the organisation’s commitment to promoting legislative responses to climate change.

“As we now enter a new era, it is my firm commitment that we will continue to build on the ideals and visions of this great organisation. We will build to support parliamentary efforts to progress climate action globally,” he said.

AGESI, in a statement on Wednesday, congratulated Mr Onuigbo over his elevation, lauding his pivotal role in strengthening Africa’s climate governance architecture.

AGESI’s executive director, Eugene Itua, noted that Mr Onuigbo’s presidency of GLOBE International reinforces Africa’s growing leadership in global climate diplomacy and legislative action.

“Honourable Sam Onuigbo has been a cornerstone of AGESI’s climate governance work. His induction as President of GLOBE International is a powerful affirmation of Africa’s voice and influence in shaping global climate policy. AGESI is proud to stand with him as he continues to champion resilient, inclusive, and accountable climate governance,” Mr Itua explained.

Nigeria’s deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, lauded Mr Onuigbo’s elevation and called for a renewed focus on strengthening legislative capacity across Africa.