Sam Onuigbo Honoured with African Impact Excellence Award 2025 in Lagos
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Prominent climate policy advocate and member of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rt. Hon. Sir Sam Onuigbo, has been announced as a recipient of the African Impact Excellence Award 2025, bestowed by the Netherlands-based The Voice News Magazine.
The honour will be presented during the 14th edition of The Voice Achievers Awards, which is scheduled to take place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos—marking the first time the prestigious event will be hosted in Nigeria.
The Award Committee said Onuigbo emerged as a winner following his groundbreaking work in championing the Climate Change Act 2021 and ensuring its eventual presidential assent, a feat widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant climate governance milestones. The Committee also highlighted his consistent leadership in global climate discourse, noting that his advocacy continues to resonate across Africa and beyond.
The Voice Achievers Awards has, over the years, recognised a long list of distinguished personalities, including Zambia’s founding President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda; former ICC Prosecutor, Ambassador Fatou Bensouda; ex-President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma; Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa; Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu; Kenyan statesman Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga; Prof. PLO Lumumba; former EU Parliament member Jan Pronk; and UAE’s Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, among others.
ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE reports that Onuigbo is no stranger to national recognition. In 2021, the House of Representatives Press Corps named him Dean of Bills/Most Dedicated Lawmaker, citing his strong performance and commitment to legislative duties.
His legislative influence was further validated in May 2023 when he was inducted into the inaugural National Assembly Most Valuable Parliamentarian (MVP) Hall of Fame. He was one of only five lawmakers selected from the 469 legislators of the 9th Assembly—and the only honouree from Southern Nigeria. Analysts attribute this distinction largely to the long-term national and international significance of his Climate Change Act.
International media have also spotlighted his work. In November 2023, the New York–based Business Insider ranked him among the Top 30 Global Leaders on Climate Action, while the 10th House of Representatives subsequently honoured him as a Worthy Ambassador of the House.
Onuigbo’s leadership in climate policy has also earned him awards from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as well as recognitions from the United States Department of State.
Continuing his engagement on the world stage, the former lawmaker was part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference held in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21, 2025.
