Abuja, Nigeria
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says climate change is one of the major reasons for insecurity in Nigeria.
Akume said this during the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Framework (NDC-IF) (2023-2030) on Thursday in Abuja, stressing that the insecurity in the country was largely ecological.
Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof Bolaji Babatunde, who represented the AGF 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.”
According to him, the NDC-IF document will contribute immensely to combatting climate change issues in the country.
Akume noted that the framework which was a national tool designed to ensure coordination, transparency and resource mobilisation would create awareness on how to mitigate climate change in the country.
“The mobilisation 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 said.
He said climate change knows no borders and so the changes threaten not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of communities worldwide.
“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.”
Also speaking during the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, said that the framework showcased the urgent need to address climate change and mitigation across the country.
The minister who was represented by the Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management, said the framework was designed to provide a robust and comprehensive framework to enhance a sustainable future.
Lawal said an unwavering dedication and partnership by stakeholders would foster green growth and create resilience to address other national challenges.
On his part, Salisu Dahiru, director general of the NCCC, said that several meetings were held, explaining that the meetings were aimed at enhancing the quality of the NDC-IF and overall climate change good governance in the country by raising awareness, building ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and promoting stakeholders engagement.