Amidst escalating natural disasters fueled by climate change, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) convened a pre-#NES30 webinar titled “Building Climate Resilience in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Approach.”
The discussion aimed to address the urgent need for accelerated action to enhance Nigeria’s climate resilience against the backdrop of significant climate-related challenges.
Devastating Floods in Nigeria
In 2022, Nigeria experienced catastrophic floods, resulting in the loss of at least 662 lives, injuring 3,174 individuals, displacing approximately 2.5 million people, and destroying around 200,000 homes.
These events, as reported by the United Nations African Renewal, emphasize the critical need for swift action to mitigate Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
Nigeria’s Vulnerability to Climate Change
Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Private Sector Co-Chair of the NESG Sustainability Policy Commission, Steering Committee, emphasized Nigeria’s extensive 830-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.
This region is particularly susceptible to climate change impacts like coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution, leading to significant socio-economic disruptions in the Niger Delta.
Fragility Risks in Northern and Southeastern Nigeria
Mr. Okunbor also highlighted the heightened fragility risks in northern Nigeria due to accelerating desertification and environmental degradation, as well as in the southeast, where erosion is damaging infrastructure and threatening food security.
He stressed the necessity of comprehensive infrastructure development, ecosystem management, community engagement, and international cooperation to ensure Nigeria’s sustainable development and climate security.
Comprehensive Approach to Climate Resilience
Mr. Simon Ezinkwo, representing the Minister of Environment, emphasized that Nigeria faces significant threats from climate change, impacting both the economy and the environment.
He stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach, including the development of climate-smart and resilient infrastructure, robust environmental policies, regulations, and sustainable land management practices to tackle these challenges.
Integrating Climate Resilience into National Planning
Dr. Zainab Pisagih, Deputy Director of Environment and Regional Development at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, discussed the ministry’s role in integrating climate resilience into national planning.
She highlighted the importance of green budgeting and allocating sufficient resources for climate-related initiatives.
Lagos State’s Resilience Strategy
Dr. Folayinka Dania, Chief Resilience Officer and CEO of the Lagos Resilience Office, presented a case study on Lagos State’s resilience strategy.
She explained how Lagos, with an estimated population of 26 million, is addressing climate vulnerabilities like sea level rise, extreme heat, and pollution through a comprehensive climate adaptation and resilience plan.
Broader Perspective on Climate Resilience Challenges
Mr. Lookman Oshodi, CEO of Arctic Infrastructure, provided a broader perspective on Nigeria’s climate resilience challenges, including trans-boundary flooding, sea level rise, and urban pollution.
He emphasized the significance of public-private collaboration and highlighted Nigeria’s integrated infrastructure master plan and energy transition plan.
Importance of Collaboration
Mr. Henry Bassey, CEO of GreenHub Africa Foundation, concluded the panel session by stressing the importance of collaboration among private, public, and civil society sectors.
He emphasized that climate resilience begins with education and strategic alliances to address climate change.
30th Nigerian Economic Summit
The 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, themed “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” is scheduled for October 14th to 16th, 2024, in Abuja.
The summit aims to harness diverse perspectives and expertise to address shared challenges, create opportunities, and ensure sustainable economic progress for all Africans.