Secretary To Government, Akume Says Climate Change Is Major Reason For Insecurity In Nigeria

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has said that climate change is one of the major reasons for insecurity in Nigeria.

Akume, who said this at the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Framework (NDC-IF) (2023-2030) on Thursday in Abuja, stressed that the insecurity in the country was largely ecological.

Represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Prof Bolaji Babatunde, 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.”

He said that the NDC-IF document was of immense contribution to tackling climate change issues in the country.

Anime 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.

He said, “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.”

According to him, climate change knows no borders and so the changes threaten not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of communities worldwide.

The SGF said, “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 NDC-IF revealed the urgent need to address climate change and mitigation in the country.

Represented by the Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management in the Ministry, the minister said the NDC-IF is designed to provide a robust and comprehensive framework to enhance a sustainable future.

According to Lawal, unwavering dedication and partnership by stakeholders would foster green growth and create resilience to address other national challenges.

Also, former Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, Mr Samuel Onuigbo, commended National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) for the launching of the NDC implementation framework.

Onuigbo appealed that every deliberation on the project be implemented.

The Director General of the NCCC, Salisu Dahiru, 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 of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and promoting stakeholders engagement.