By Jonathan Lois
Hon. Sam Ifeanyi Onuigbo, 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.
Onuigbo, President of GLOBE Legislators International, as network of parliamentarians in over 99 countries of the world, received the honour alongside other prominent Nigerians at the 43rd National Solar Energy Forum/Conference (NASEF 2026).
The fellowship comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with energy access challenges, placing renewed emphasis on renewable energy sources, including solar power, as part of efforts to advance sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions.
In a letter of appreciation addressed to the President of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN), Dr Sunny Akpoyibo, Onuigbo described the recognition as an acknowledgement of his contributions to climate action in Nigeria, across Africa and globally.
He particularly highlighted his role in sponsoring the Climate Change Act 2021, which established a legal and institutional framework for climate governance in Nigeria.
According to him, the legislation provides critical safeguards for climate action across various sectors of the economy while advancing the country’s commitment to climate resilience, low-carbon development and the transition to net-zero emissions.
He noted that the Act recognises the importance of clean and renewable energy in achieving these objectives, reinforcing the need for increased investment in and adoption of solar power to address Nigeria’s energy challenges.
Onuigbo said the fellowship was not merely a recognition of past contributions but also a call to greater responsibility in advancing climate action and clean energy development.
“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 would expand solar energy adoption, strengthen climate governance and unlock the environmental, economic and social benefits of the clean energy transition.
In a separate statement on the honour, the former member of the House of Representatives reaffirmed his commitment to translating climate legislation into practical action, accelerating Nigeria’s energy transition and advancing the pathway to net-zero emissions.
He 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.
Onuigbo 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.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition and encouraged to do even more in the pursuit of a cleaner, greener and more sustainable world,” he said.
The fellowship further places the spotlight on the connection between climate legislation and renewable energy adoption, with Onuigbo reiterating the need to turn Nigeria’s climate commitments into tangible benefits through wider access to clean energy and sustainable development.
