Abuja, Nigeria — Sponsor of Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act 2021 and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, is set to assume the presidency of GLOBE Legislators, a leading international network of lawmakers committed to advancing climate action and sustainable development, during the organisation’s 35th anniversary celebrations at the United Kingdom Parliament.
The transition is expected to take place during the 2026 London Climate Action Week (LCAW), scheduled for June 20–28, where Onuigbo, currently GLOBE’s Vice-President for Africa and President-Designate, will be formally introduced as President of the global organisation.
The development was contained in an official invitation letter signed by GLOBE Legislators Chief Executive, Malini Mehra FRSA, inviting Onuigbo to participate in the week-long climate event and deliver an address at GLOBE’s 35th Anniversary Reception at the UK Parliament on June 24.
According to the invitation, the occasion will also mark the establishment of GLOBE Legislators’ headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, underscoring Africa’s growing influence in global climate governance.
GLOBE Legislators is a founding partner of London Climate Action Week, which has evolved into the world’s largest and most diverse climate action festival, bringing together policymakers, investors, business leaders, academics, civil society organisations and climate advocates from across the globe.
The anniversary reception, to be hosted at the House of Commons by former United Kingdom Minister for Climate Change and former President of GLOBE International, Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart MP, will convene lawmakers from across political divides and jurisdictions to discuss pathways for strengthening climate action amid mounting global challenges.
The theme for this year’s reception is “Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges.”
Discussions will focus on climate cooperation in an increasingly fragmented world, climate investment and innovation, resilience-building, nature and ocean regeneration, and strategies for mobilising society-wide climate action.
In her letter, Mehra described London Climate Action Week as a cornerstone of the international climate diplomacy calendar, noting that the 2026 edition is expected to surpass the more than 700 climate-related events held across London in 2025.
She said major summits on climate finance, net-zero implementation, sustainable cities, clean energy technologies and climate innovation will take place at iconic venues including the UK Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Kew Gardens, the Globe Theatre, Guildhall and Mansion House.
A major highlight of the programme will be the inaugural Nigeria Climate Investment Summit, scheduled for June 23, 2026.
The summit, jointly organised by GLOBE Legislators and SoSustainability, aims to showcase Nigeria’s legislative and policy frameworks designed to stimulate carbon markets, attract climate investments and accelerate sustainable development.
Onuigbo is expected to play a leading role in presiding over the summit, which will bring together lawmakers, investors, policymakers and climate experts from around the world.
The invitation also acknowledged Onuigbo’s efforts in adapting the Student-MP Climate Surgery initiative to Nigeria. The programme, originally developed in the United Kingdom, promotes direct engagement between students and legislators on climate-related issues.
GLOBE noted that Nigeria successfully implemented the initiative in 2022 under Onuigbo’s leadership through Student-MP Climate Surgery sessions organised alongside COP27 in Egypt, providing a platform for young people to engage directly with policymakers on climate action.
According to the organisation, Onuigbo’s experience in promoting constituency-based climate leadership and citizen engagement will be shared during London Climate Action Week as a model for strengthening public participation in climate governance.
Observers have described Onuigbo’s elevation to the presidency of GLOBE Legislators as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, reflecting the increasing prominence of African leadership in shaping international climate policy.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost climate champions, Onuigbo sponsored the Climate Change Act 2021, legislation considered a major milestone in Nigeria’s climate governance architecture.
His contributions have earned him numerous recognitions, including the House of Representatives Press Corps Award for **Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker 2021** and induction into the inaugural National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame in 2023.
He was among only five lawmakers from the 9th National Assembly to receive the honour and was the sole representative from Southern Nigeria inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In November 2023, New York-based Business Insider recognised him among the Top 30 Global Leaders on Climate Action, while Nigeria’s 10th House of Representatives honoured him as a Worthy Ambassador of the House.
He has also received leadership awards on climate change from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in addition to several meritorious honours from the United States Department of State.
Onuigbo was also part of Nigeria’s delegation to the COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025.
His emergence as President of GLOBE Legislators is expected to strengthen Africa’s voice in global climate negotiations and contribute to advancing sustainable development and climate resilience across the continent.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
