ONN South Africa 17/09/2024
...as Deputy Speaker Emphasizes PAP’s Role in Enhancing Peace Through Initiatives like PISE-P
Nigeria has called for a global climate tax to be levied on multinational corporations and billionaires to support African nations severely impacted by climate change. This proposal was presented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who also leads the Nigerian delegation at the Pan African Parliament’s (PAP) special session in South Africa.
Speaking in response to a presentation by Mr. Charles Mwangi Nyambura of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), titled *"The Impact of Climate Change and Africa's Strategic Pursuits Going into COP,"* Kalu advocated for a global climate tax as a solution to support climate adaptation in vulnerable regions, with reference to Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo's work.
Kalu lamented the recent flooding in Borno and Zamfara States, highlighting the devastating impacts on local communities. He noted that Africa, while contributing only 3.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, disproportionately suffers from climate change effects. Kalu pointed out that Africa’s progress towards its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is hindered by these climate disasters, with nearly 600 million people lacking access to electricity, slowing economic development.
Referring to floods that ravaged parts of Borno in 2024, Kalu emphasized the urgent need for climate adaptation support. Flooding displaced over 320,000 people across 19 local government areas, following the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri. These disasters underscore the increasing threat of climate change, especially in already vulnerable regions like Africa.
In addition to climate challenges, Kalu addressed food and energy insecurity, identifying them as emerging threats to Africa’s stability. He called for agricultural reforms and investments in agribusiness, stressing that Africa’s vast agricultural potential remains largely untapped.
Kalu also underscored the vital role of education in securing Africa’s future, advocating for a continent-wide approach to ensure quality education for every child. He urged for addressing gender disparities, supporting rural education, and increasing investment in teachers and infrastructure, aligning these efforts with the African Union's Agenda 2063.
On security, Kalu emphasized the importance of collective defense mechanisms, like the African Union’s Standby Force, to combat terrorism, organized crime, and extremism. He also condemned unconstitutional changes in government, calling for zero-tolerance policies on coups and undemocratic transitions.
In discussing PAP’s role in fostering peace, Kalu proposed integrating community-driven initiatives like Nigeria’s Peace in the Southeast (PISE-P) into the African Union’s broader peace efforts. He urged the AU’s Peace Fund to support grassroots initiatives, highlighting the need for greater involvement in community-led peacebuilding efforts across the continent.
Kalu's remarks underscored Nigeria’s commitment to addressing climate change, fostering peace, and advancing education across Africa through collaborative continental efforts.
Great