To enhance Nigeria’s readiness for climate change, experts have suggested that the government should engage rural communities in the ongoing development of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) in order to boost resilience. Under the obligations set by the Cancun Adaptation Framework (CAF), parties must develop and execute NAPs to pinpoint medium-to long-term adaptation needs. An essential step in this process involves conducting a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) to determine vulnerabilities within communities and suggest potential adaptation strategies to tackle these challenges.
Currently, Nigeria is carrying out a CRVA in five ecological regions across the country’s six geopolitical zones. The goal is to integrate adaptation into every sector of national and economic development, empowering citizens to take preemptive action against disasters instead of simply reacting to them. By involving this particular group in the process, experts believe that it will significantly decrease the risk and extent of impacts while also guaranteeing the restoration and rejuvenation of the ecosystem in case of any disturbances.
Incorporating stakeholders’ recommendations will reduce risks.
Lawrence Flint, the leader of Nigeria’s CRVA project, believes that adaptation occurs both within governance structures and in the field where individuals engage in activities like farming, fishing, and other livelihood pursuits. During his address at the pre-field mission workshop hosted by the Department of Climate Change (DCC) under the Federal Ministry of Environment, he emphasised the importance of involving all sectors of society in the planning and execution of initiatives. By ensuring participation from those affected by environmental changes, the process becomes more inclusive and effective.
He highlighted eco change and conflict as major concerns. The intertwining of ongoing conflicts with climate and ecosystem changes presents a significant hurdle for Nigeria. Incorporating his recommendations into the root causes of the climate risks in Nigeria could pave the way for the country to tackle the unique challenges faced not just by Nigeria but also by other countries in the Sahel region. He explained that utilising this approach would help avoid constantly resorting to requesting humanitarian aid and support when severe weather disrupts everything.
Involvement of youth, media, civil society, and others is essential.
Chiranjibi Tiwari, the Climate Change and WASH Manager at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), emphasises the importance of inclusion in involving the perspectives of youth, media, Civil Society groups, and other stakeholders in shaping and carrying out the nation’s adaptation goals. In a study done in 2023, UNICEF discovered that women and children in Nigeria are at a higher risk, particularly when it comes to health, flooding, education, droughts, and more. He emphasised that children are especially impacted and, therefore, should play a vital role in these climate change conversations.
Also, Tiwari revealed the partnership between his organisation and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources in developing a plan to address the environmental risks. Balarabe Lawal, who is Nigeria’s Environment Minister stressed the importance of adapting to the change as a key step in managing its impacts. Additionally, this will streamline the incorporation of climate change adaptation into key policies, programs, and activities, such as development planning processes and strategies, across various sectors and levels, when necessary.
Related Article: Nigeria, Denmark partner to monitor climate
At the event, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, representing the minister, emphasises the importance of proactive measures to address the present and future effects of climate change. He emphasised the various adaptation initiatives in the country, including the 2011 National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASPA-CCN). This plan identified 13 key areas requiring prompt adaptation measures. As the country’s environmental leader stated, the national adaptation plan is expected to enhance resilience and reduce susceptibility to eco change impacts.