An environment communications expert, Mr Melchizedec Onobe, on Saturday urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of a Climate Change Commission.

Onobe, a Lecturer in the Department of Communications, Bingham University, Karu, Nassarawa State, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the country would be able to mitigate the climate change challenges, through the commission.

"Nigeria urgently needs a commission that will be devoted to managing and mitigating floods, erosion, heat and other emergencies associated with climate change.

"It is therefore imperative for government and other relevant stakeholders to work towards the realisation of the long sought commission," he said.

Onobe lauded the progress so far made in the process to ensure the passage of the bill to establish the commission.

He expressed optimism that the establishment of the commission would help in reducing climate change effects.

The environment communicator urged the media, local and state governments to close ranks in sensitising communities on climate change and its effects.

"So many Nigerians are still under- informed and misinformed on the problems associated with climate change.

"Governments at all levels, the media, community and religious leaders, as well as the public, need to have an understanding of the effects of climate change, and the importance of setting up this commission," Onobe said.