Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, says climate action plays a central role in achieving the eight presidential priorities.
Describing it as a significant declaration, Salako, speaking in Abuja on Sunday during the launch of a report titled: “Mapping of Climate Change Impact, Policy and Action” at the Sub-National Level in Nigeria, said it was aimed at assessing climate change impact across the 36 states, by analysing existing climate policies and actions, as well identifying the support needs for effective implementation.
The environment minister also stressed the necessity of sub-national involvement, stating: “Managing our environment and addressing issues around climate change successfully needs the full buy-in of the sub-national government and every Nigerian.”
He highlighted the diverse challenges faced by different regions in Nigeria, pointing out that vulnerability to climate change varies across the country. The project, which measured climate change awareness and action in each state, applied SWOT analysis to tailor policymaking and action plans to specific state needs.
On his part, Sam Onuigbo, member, governing board and chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change, and Special Interventions North-East Development Commission (NEDC), said that the devastating impact of climate change are now a reality in Nigeria, and urged the sub-national representatives to make budgetary provisions for improved climate change action and resilience.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago acknowledged the pressing global issue of climate change and highlighted his state’s commitment to mitigating its adverse effects, recognizing the enormity of environmental challenges and told the audience that his state recently organized a Green Economy Summit and formulated a policy document to guide its green economy implementation.
Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central Region), Abiodun Essiet, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to address climate change impacts at the sub-national level.
She commended efforts in implementing the crucial “Mapping Climate Change Impact, Policy, and Action in Nigeria’s 36 states” project jointly done by the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Society for Planet and Prosperity.
She also noted that the initiative aims to map climate change impacts, effectively domesticate policies and attract climate funds and investments to foster resilience and sustainable development, among others.
