The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has stated that climate change is a major contributor to insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Framework (NDC-IF) (2023-2030) on Thursday in Abuja, Akume emphasized the ecological roots of the country’s insecurity issues.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, Akume said, “I have to sing it loud that one of the reasons for insecurity in the country is largely ecological. The issue of climate change should not be taken lightly, especially for the country Nigeria.” He highlighted that the NDC-IF document is crucial in addressing climate change issues in Nigeria.
Akume noted that the framework, a national tool designed for coordination, transparency, and resource mobilization, would raise awareness on how to mitigate climate change in the country. He said, “The mobilization of finance for the effective implementation of NDC is imperative. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says the window to limit global warming to 1.5° centigrade is rapidly closing in.”
He stressed that climate change knows no borders, threatening not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of communities worldwide. Akume added, “The NDC-IF is not just a document but also a roadmap for transformative action. It lays out strategies, policies, and measures that will guide our efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable development.”
During the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, underscored the urgent need to address climate change and mitigation in the country. Represented by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management in the Ministry, Lawal said the NDC-IF is designed to provide a robust and comprehensive framework to enhance a sustainable future.
Lawal emphasized that unwavering dedication and partnership by stakeholders would foster green growth and create resilience to address other national challenges. Former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Mr. Samuel Onuigbo, praised the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) for launching the NDC implementation framework and urged the implementation of every deliberation on the project.
The Director General of the NCCC, Salisu Dahiru, mentioned that several meetings were held to enhance the quality of the NDC-IF and promote overall climate change governance in the country by raising awareness, building the capacity of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and encouraging stakeholder engagement.