Addressing Climate Change in Nigeria's Evolving Economy
Nigeria is a country with immense potential and challenges, especially in the face of climate change. As Africa’s most populous and largest economy, Nigeria has a vital role to play in addressing climate change both at the national and regional levels. However, Nigeria also faces significant threats from climate change, such as rising temperatures, rainfall variability, drought, desertification, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. These impacts affect various aspects of Nigeria’s environment and development, such as agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and infrastructure. Moreover, the emergence of epidemics like COVID-19 further highlights the complexity and interrelatedness of these challenges.Nigeria is a country with immense potential and challenges, especially in the face of climate change. As Africa’s most populous and largest economy, Nigeria has a vital role to play in addressing climate change both at the national and regional levels. However, Nigeria also faces significant threats from climate change, such as rising temperatures, rainfall variability, drought, desertification, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. These impacts affect various aspects of Nigeria’s environment and development, such as agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and infrastructure. Moreover, the emergence of epidemics like COVID-19 further highlights the complexity and interrelatedness of these challenges.
To effectively address these “super wicked” problems, Nigeria must adopt evidence-based approaches that can enhance its carbon efficiency and climate resilience. Learning from countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and South Africa can provide valuable insights and serve as a starting point for designing domestic climate change mitigation strategies. These countries have demonstrated successful examples of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change in different sectors and contexts.
This article explores Nigeria’s role in climate change mitigation, focusing on its sizeable population affected by climate-related issues, the strategies being employed, and the severe flooding incidents outlined in the National Security Strategy 2019. The article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s current situation and future prospects in relation to climate change. The article also aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges that Nigeria faces in achieving its climate goals and aspirations.
Championing Climate Change Mitigation:
With one of the largest populations globally, Nigeria faces the intricate task of addressing climate change challenges that directly affect its citizens. The country's leadership is essential not only for its internal development but also as an example for other nations. By embracing innovative and sustainable solutions, Nigeria can significantly contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment and leadership in tackling climate change by ratifying the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1994, the Kyoto Protocol in 2004, and the Paris Agreement in 2017. Nigeria has also developed and implemented various policies and strategies to address climate change at the national level, such as the National Climate Change Policy (2012), the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change (2011), the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (2015), and the National Forest Policy (2006).
Population Affected and Mitigation Strategies:
Climate change affects different segments of the population in different ways, depending on their exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Some of the most vulnerable groups include women, children, the elderly, the poor, and the displaced. These groups often bear the brunt of climate change impacts such as food insecurity, water scarcity, health risks, loss of livelihoods, and displacement. According to UNICEF, about 25 million Nigerians are at high risk of food insecurity in 2023 due to the combined effects of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19. Moreover, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), about 2.1 million Nigerians were internally displaced as of December 2020, mainly due to conflict and violence, but also due to disasters triggered or exacerbated by climate change.
Nigeria's large population makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme events such as droughts and floods disproportionately affect communities across the nation. To combat these challenges, Nigeria has implemented a series of strategies:
Renewable Energy Development: Recognizing the role of fossil fuels in greenhouse gas emissions, Nigeria is investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These initiatives not only reduce emissions but also improve energy access for its citizens.
Afforestation and Reforestation: To combat deforestation and enhance carbon sequestration, Nigeria is actively promoting afforestation and reforestation efforts. These initiatives help restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The integration of climate resilience into infrastructure projects, urban planning, and disaster management is crucial. Building structures that can withstand extreme weather events, such as flooding, is a key aspect of Nigeria's strategy.
Excessive Flooding and National Security Strategy 2019:
One of the most visible and devastating impacts of climate change in Nigeria is flooding. Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal boundaries due to excessive rainfall, river overflow, coastal surge, or dam release. Flooding can cause damage to infrastructure, property, crops, livestock, and human lives. Flooding can also increase the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria.
According to the World Bank's Climate Risk Profile for Nigeria, flooding is projected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. The profile states that "the annual expected damage from riverine flooding could increase from $1 billion in 2014 (0.3% of GDP) to $9 billion in 2050 (1.3% of GDP), while coastal flooding could increase from $2 billion in 2014 (0.6% of GDP) to $16 billion in 2050 (2.3% of GDP)". The profile also warns that "by 2050, more than 25 million people could be exposed to coastal flooding annually".
In response, Nigeria's efforts are focused on improved flood management, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation measures. Additionally, the integration of climate considerations into national security planning underscores the interconnectedness of climate change and national stability.
Conclusion:
Nigeria's leadership role in climate change mitigation is critical in light of its substantial population, vulnerability to climate impacts, and potential for influencing regional and global climate action. By prioritizing renewable energy, afforestation, resilient infrastructure, and effective flood management, Nigeria can pave the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. It is through such concerted efforts that Nigeria can effectively combat the challenges posed by climate change, protect its citizens, and contribute positively to the international fight against this global issue.
Climate change is a global challenge that requires collective action and cooperation from all stakeholders. Nigeria, as a major player in Africa and the world, has a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change and its impacts. Nigeria has shown its commitment and leadership in addressing climate change by developing and implementing various policies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience. Nigeria has also engaged in regional and international platforms and initiatives to promote cooperation and collaboration on climate action.
However, Nigeria still faces many challenges and gaps in achieving its climate goals and aspirations. Some of these include:
- Lack of adequate finance, technology, and capacity to implement climate actions effectively and efficiently.
- Lack of coordination and integration among different sectors, levels, and actors involved in climate governance.
- Lack of awareness and participation of the public and other stakeholders in climate issues and solutions.
- Lack of data and information on climate risks, impacts, and opportunities.
Therefore, Nigeria needs to address these challenges and gaps by:
- Mobilizing more domestic and international resources for climate action, especially from the private sector and development partners.
- Strengthening the institutional and regulatory frameworks for climate governance, ensuring coherence, alignment, and accountability across different sectors, levels, and actors.
- Enhancing the communication and outreach strategies for climate action, raising awareness and building capacity of the public and other stakeholders on climate issues and solutions.
- Improving the data and information systems for climate action, generating and disseminating reliable and relevant data and information on climate risks, impacts, and opportunities.
By doing so, Nigeria can achieve its vision of becoming a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and prosperous nation that can provide a better life for its people and contribute to a safer and healthier planet for all.