Sam Onuigbo, a member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has served in various capacities, including political, administrative, and advocacy positions.

Here are 6 things to know about him.

1. Early Life and Education

Born on Nigeria’s Independence Day in 1960, Abia politician Sir Sam Onuigbo’s educational journey began at Community Primary School Obuohia Obi-Ibere. He later attended Oboro Secondary Commercial School, Umudike, and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, earning a National Certificate in Education in 1983. Pursuing higher education, he obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Lagos and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

2. International Training

Onuigbo’s quest for knowledge led him to the prestigious John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, USA, where he attended an Executive Education Programme on Leadership. He also underwent courses at the US Department of State Foreign Service Institute and trained in Finance, Accounting, and Corporate Governance. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, London, and a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management. As a member of ASIS International, USA, he demonstrated commitment to professional development.

3. Career at U.S. Embassy

With an illustrious career spanning nearly eighteen unbroken years at the U.S Embassy (now US Consulate General Lagos, Nigeria), Onuigbo excelled, reaching the position of Supervisory Fraud Prevention Specialist. His tenure earned him several Meritorious Honour awards from the U.S Department of State, showcasing his dedication and expertise in the field.

4. Political Journey

On the national stage, Onuigbo served as the Special Adviser, Public Affairs, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, during the 6th Assembly. At the state level, he held key positions, including Commissioner for Lands and Survey and Commissioner for Finance in Abia State. Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency from 2015-2023, he became the first to be re-elected from the constituency.

5. Leadership Roles in the House of Representatives

During the 8th Assembly, Onuigbo chaired the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, showcasing his commitment to environmental issues. Currently, he holds the position of Vice President (Africa) of GLOBE International and serves as Chairman of the Security, Special Interventions, and Climate Change Committee, as well as a Member of the Governing Board, North East Development Commission. Between 2016 to 2019, he was the Vice President of GLOBE Nigeria, and later served as President of the body between 2019 to 2023. He was also Chairman of Climate Parliament Nigeria between 2020 to 2023.

6. Global Recognition for Climate Advocacy

In 2023, Onuigbo’s impact extended globally as he was nominated as part of the Climate Action 30 Global Leaders. Recognised for his leadership in Africa, particularly in sponsoring Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, he joined an impressive list of activists and leaders dedicated to environmental solutions. Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Onuigbo highlighted the collective effort involved in enacting the Climate Change Act and thanked his fellow lawmakers for their support. His achievements also include being inducted into the Most Valuable Parliamentarian Hall of Fame for the 9th Assembly, showcasing his exceptional contributions to Nigerian governance.

Bonus

On November 28, 2023, Rep Sam Onuigbo was acknowledged by the House of Representatives and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on the floor of the House, as a worthy ambassador of the House of Representatives in recognition of his emergence as one of the 30 Global Leaders on Climate Change in 2023.