Nnimmo Bassey, the director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), has highlighted the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding uncontrolled and poorly supervised Mineral extraction. They also cautioned against overlooking the escalating impacts of climate change, which is presenting significant ecological challenges for Nigeria. Speaking during the inaugural Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternative Convergence in Abuja, the foundation director, Nnimmo Bassey, emphasized the potential for environmental restoration to generate jobs and wealth in Nigeria. He stated that investing in a clean environment would provide opportunities for young people and also shift our perspective on Sustainability and conservation.
Bassey, who is also an environmental activist, warned that the country is facing severe ecological challenges due to the conscious harm to the environment from urban and industrial growth, lack of efficient policies, and its enforcement, as well as the worsening effects of climate change. He noted that ecosystems are deteriorating, communities are in peril, and the outlook for the future is becoming more uncertain. In 11 states in Nigeria, there has been a rise in Drought and desertification, causing disturbances in fishing, agriculture, and Livestock farming, which is pushing a notable portion of the population into poverty.
Nigeria is currently facing major socioecological challenges.
He observed that the challenge has led to significant risks in health, sanitation, and nutrition. Drought-induced crop failures and water shortages have caused Poverty and instability, compelling rural communities to relocate, leading to conflicts and socio-economic issues. Bassey emphasized that Nigeria is currently facing major socioecological challenges in all regions, impacting all citizens and escalating rapidly. These challenges have escalated in recent decades, leading to a range of consequences that endanger the well-being and existence of the population.
Data from official reports cited show the devastating impact of the 2022 floods, including the displacement of over 1.4 million individuals, the loss of over 603 lives, injuries to more than 2,400 people, destruction of 82,035 homes, and flooding of 332,327 hectares of land. The economic toll was estimated at $9.12 billion (₦4.2 trillion). He emphasized that floods have become a recurring problem in various parts of the country. For over a decade, there has been a consistent trend of destructive floods happening on a frequent basis. The floods are usually linked to discharge of water from dams, excessive and lengthy rainfall, inadequate urban drainage systems and deforestation.
Forest cover in Nigeria is currently less than 10 percent.
Furthermore, he referenced a United Nations’ report on Nigeria, which disclosed that the nation is experiencing the most extreme and rapid Deforestation globally. Approximately 3.7 percent of its forests are being eliminated each year, causing a drastic reduction in Forest Cover from around 40 percent in the 1960s to less than 10 percent. The eastern region of Nigeria is particularly suffering from an alarming rate of deforestation. Logging for timber and clearing land for industrial Agriculture are the primary factors driving this issue. The current state of deforestation has significantly worsened over time.
According to the activists, the Nigeria Socio Ecological Alternatives Convergence was collaboratively developed with Civil Society groups, grassroots communities, advocates and scholars to serve as a platform for brainstorming, strategizing and implementing a new ecological plan for Nigeria. During his speech, Prof. Chinedu Mwajiba, Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Board, pointed out that the variability of weather patterns is a direct consequence of climate change. Rainfall patterns have shifted, affecting when rain starts and stops, how hard it falls, and how often extreme weather events happen, he added.
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The Nigeria Socio Ecological Charter was the main focus of the event, shedding light on the environmental issues faced throughout the country. It offers a forward-thinking policy plan that aims to safeguard the planet while promoting progress. This Charter serves as a strong message for a necessary shift in Nigeria’s socio-ecological environment. A detailed proposal has been drafted to establish a society that is both resilient and just, placing emphasis on the health of people and the environment. This proposal sets forth a strategic path to realize our shared goal of ecological health, founded on principles of equity, diversity, and lasting endurance, Bassey said.