Nigeria Climate Law Sponsor Sam Onuigbo Receives Solar Energy Fellowship

Abuja, Nigeria — Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, the sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, has been honoured with a Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN) in recognition of his contributions to climate change advocacy and action.

The honour was conferred at the 43rd National Solar Energy Forum and Conference (NASEF 2026), where Onuigbo was recognised alongside other prominent Nigerians, according to reports published on 26 and 28 October 2026.

A recognition for climate legislation and solar advocacy

Onuigbo is a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and now serves as President of GLOBE Legislators International, a network of parliamentarians in more than 99 countries. He sponsored the Climate Change Act 2021, which established a legal and institutional framework for climate governance in Nigeria.

According to the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria’s president, Dr Sunny Akpoyibo, the Act provides safeguards for climate action across sectors of the economy while advancing the country’s commitment to climate resilience, low-carbon development and the transition to net-zero emissions.

Onuigbo addressed a letter of appreciation to Dr Akpoyibo, describing the fellowship as an acknowledgement of his contributions to climate action in Nigeria, across Africa and globally.

Turning climate law into practical action

In his response to the honour, Onuigbo said the fellowship was not only a recognition of past work but also a call to greater responsibility.

“I consider this Fellowship not only a recognition of past contributions but also a call to greater responsibility,” he said, pledging to deepen his engagement with the society and support initiatives that expand solar energy adoption, strengthen climate governance and unlock the environmental, economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition.

He reaffirmed his commitment to translating climate legislation into practical action, accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition and advancing the pathway to net-zero emissions.

Why solar matters for Nigeria

Nigeria continues to face energy access challenges, and reports on the forum note a renewed emphasis on renewable energy sources, including solar power, as part of efforts to advance sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions.

Onuigbo described solar power as central to the transition, citing its potential to extend electricity access to underserved and unserved communities, stimulate green industrialisation, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.

“Solar energy is central to this transition. Its potential to expand energy access to underserved and unserved, drive green industrialisation, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions makes it indispensable to a sustainable future,” he said.

He added that the shift to clean energy should be viewed not only as an environmental necessity but also as an economic opportunity and a responsibility to future generations.

FAKTA

• Who: Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 and President of GLOBE Legislators International.
• What: Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN).
• Where: 43rd National Solar Energy Forum and Conference (NASEF 2026), Nigeria.
• Why: Recognising contributions to climate change advocacy and action, and to solar energy.
• What next: Onuigbo pledged deeper engagement on solar adoption, climate governance and the clean energy transition.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo?

He is a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, and President of GLOBE Legislators International, a network of parliamentarians in more than 99 countries.

What fellowship did he receive?

He received a Fellowship of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN), conferred at the 43rd National Solar Energy Forum and Conference (NASEF 2026).

What is Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021?

It is the legislation Onuigbo sponsored that established a legal and institutional framework for climate governance in Nigeria, covering climate resilience, low-carbon development and the transition to net-zero emissions.

Why is solar energy important for Nigeria?

According to Onuigbo, solar power can extend electricity to underserved and unserved communities, support green industrialisation, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions, at a time when Nigeria faces energy access challenges.

What did Onuigbo say he will do next?

He pledged to deepen his engagement with the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria and support initiatives that expand solar adoption, strengthen climate governance and deliver environmental, economic and social benefits from the clean energy transition.

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