Former member of the House of Representatives and sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, will this week assume office as President of GLOBE International, the world’s foremost network of lawmakers advancing climate action and sustainable development.
Onuigbo’s inauguration will take place on Tuesday at the House of Commons in London during the 35th anniversary celebration of GLOBE International, as part of activities marking this year’s London Climate Action Week.
According to an official invitation signed by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Malini Mehra FRSA, and obtained on Monday Onuigbo will succeed Argentine parliamentarian, Deputy Juan Carlos Villalonga, as President of the global body.
The Nigerian lawmaker, who currently serves as GLOBE’s Vice-President for Africa, is expected to deliver his inaugural presidential address during the organisation’s anniversary reception at the UK Parliament.
He will also formally address participants at the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit scheduled to hold at the historic Mansion House in the City of London, where he is expected to outline strategies for attracting climate finance and green investments into Nigeria.
The summit is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, development partners, business leaders and climate stakeholders to explore financing opportunities that will accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.
Mehra said this year’s anniversary celebration would also mark the official relocation of GLOBE International’s global headquarters from Europe to Nairobi, Kenya, reflecting Africa’s growing role in shaping global climate policy.
She described London Climate Action Week as one of the world’s largest climate engagement platforms, attracting ministers, legislators, investors, business executives, local governments, academics, civil society organisations and cultural institutions.
According to her, this year’s edition is expected to surpass the more than 700 climate-related events hosted across London in 2025, with major discussions focusing on climate finance, innovation, sustainable cities, clean energy technology and pathways to achieving net-zero emissions.
The event, scheduled for June 23 to 26, will also feature the inaugural Nigeria Climate Investment Summit in London, convened by Onuigbo to showcase investment opportunities in Nigeria’s climate and green economy.
His emergence as President of GLOBE International is being viewed as a significant boost for Nigeria’s profile in global climate governance, environmental sustainability and energy transition.
Founded in 1991 by former United States Vice President Al Gore, former US Secretary of State John Kerry and legislators from the European Parliament, Russia and Japan, GLOBE International is a non-partisan parliamentary organisation dedicated to strengthening legislation and governance for climate action and sustainable development.
The anniversary reception will be hosted by former United Kingdom Minister for Climate Change and former GLOBE President, Rt. Hon. Graham Stuart MP.
The event, themed “Building Political Resilience and Public Consensus for Climate Action at a Time of Severe Domestic and Geopolitical Challenges,” will examine strategies for strengthening international climate cooperation, promoting investment and innovation for a net-zero economy, enhancing climate resilience, supporting nature and ocean restoration, and mobilising broader public support for climate action.
Since sponsoring Nigeria’s landmark Climate Change Act in 2021, Onuigbo has remained one of Africa’s leading voices on climate governance and sustainable development.
His contributions have earned him several international recognitions, including being named among the Top 30 Global Climate Action Leaders by Business Insider in 2023.
He was also inducted into the National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame for the 2019–2023 legislative period and honoured by the House of Representatives as a Worthy Ambassador of the Green Chamber.
By Dare Akogun
