Terseer Ugbor (APC-Benue) has urged governments to prioritise afforestation and smart agricultural initiatives to combat climate change and food insecurity.

Mr Ugbor, who made the call at the Nigerian Climate Change Forum in Abuja, called for massive reforestation to address the food shortage in Nigeria.

The lawmaker, who represents the Kwande/Ushongo federal constituency of Benue, said that his constituency, which was once renowned for its rosewood, commonly known as ‘Madrid’, has now been entirely depleted.

“As long as we do not prioritise tree planting and reforestation, we will continue to lose habitat and biodiversity, and we will continue to suffer the effects of climate change.

“This is why we are having massive desertification, droughts, and irregular rainfall, which is contributing to the challenges we’re facing in Nigeria.

“So, as a parliament, our priority is to advance policies and legislation that seek to address these things,” he said.

The rep said efforts are ongoing to improve the Environmental Impact Assessment Act to include the social components to become Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.

According to him, this enables stakeholders to evaluate the effects of their activities on the environment and the welfare and livelihoods of Nigerians and communities. 

(NAN)