How Climate Change Contributed to Insecurity in Nigeria, Says SGF Akume
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has identified climate change as a key factor driving insecurity in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Framework (NDC-IF) for 2023-2030 in Abuja, Akume emphasized that the ecological impact of climate change significantly contributes to the nation’s security challenges.
Represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof. Bolaji Babatunde, Akume stated, “I have to emphasize that one of the primary reasons for insecurity in the country is largely ecological. Climate change should not be taken lightly, especially for Nigeria.”
Akume highlighted the NDC-IF document as a crucial tool in addressing climate change issues within the country. He noted that the framework aims to ensure coordination, transparency, and resource mobilization, thereby raising awareness on mitigating climate change impacts.
“The mobilization of finance for the effective implementation of NDC is imperative. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates that the window to limit global warming to 1.5°C is rapidly closing,” he said. He further stressed that climate change transcends borders, threatening both the environment and the socio-economic stability of communities globally.
Describing the NDC-IF as more than just a document, Akume called it a roadmap for transformative action, outlining strategies, policies, and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable development.
During the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and its mitigation in Nigeria. Represented by the Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, Lawal described the NDC-IF as a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring a sustainable future.
Lawal underscored the importance of stakeholder dedication and partnership to promote green growth and build resilience against 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-IF and urged that all deliberations on the project be implemented.
The Director General of the NCCC, Salisu Dahiru, noted that numerous meetings had been held to enhance the quality of the NDC-IF. These efforts focused on raising awareness, building capacities within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and promoting stakeholder engagement to ensure effective climate change governance in Nigeria.
