By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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Mogadishu, 2 November 2026 - Somalia's Upper House has approved the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) Establishment Bill following its third reading on Monday.
All senators present at the session voted in favour of the bill, with no abstentions or votes against it, giving the legislation unanimous support among members attending the session.
The bill passed its second reading on October 31 and had previously been submitted to all Federal Member States for consideration.
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Bashir Mohamed Jama, previously described the establishment of NEMA as an important step toward strengthening environmental protection, enforcing national environmental laws and creating a dedicated national institution responsible for managing, regulating and overseeing environmental affairs in Somalia.
The minister highlighted the major environmental challenges facing the country, including recurring droughts, floods, deforestation, land degradation and environmental pollution.
He noted that these challenges have significant consequences for livelihoods, public health, the economy and the country's natural resources.
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The NEMA Establishment Bill consists of 26 articles outlining the agency's establishment, objectives, powers, responsibilities, administrative structure and financial framework.
The agency will operate under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and will be responsible for implementing, regulating and monitoring compliance with environmental laws.
The establishment of the National Environment Management Agency is expected to help ensure that development projects and investments undertaken across Somalia comply with national environmental laws and regulations.
The agency is also expected to strengthen environmental oversight and promote a balance between economic development, the sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of communities.