By Abigael Joshua

Stakeholders in the environment sector have called for increased budget allocation to fight the impacts of climate change in the country.

The stakeholders converged on Abuja to review Nigeria’s 2024 Climate Budget and the Energy Transition Plan to mitigate climate change in the country.

Speaking at the forum on Thursday, Sen. Abubaka Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, said that the Government of Nigeria was committed to climate issues that would align with the sustainable goals for climate mitigation for 2030.

Bagudu, who was represented by Dr Sanjo Faniran, Director, Social Department, assured that the ministry would soon hold a round table to ensure commitment to environmental issues.

Dr Michael David, Executive Director of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), said that Nigeria’s budget had to be climate friendly to build resilience.

He expressed displeasure on the allocated sum for climate change, saying that only 5.02 per cent of the total of 2024 budget was allocated to fight the impacts of climate change.

Prof. Shuaib Hassan Director, Centre for Environmental Studies University of Abuja, said that for Nigeria to fight climate change, it must stay away from fossil fuels.

He urged the Federal Government to look into the budget allocation for climate change, waste management and research.

Shuaib added that for the country to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, it would have to move from conventional fossil fuels to alternative renewable energy sources like wind and solar to reach the goal.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that climate change had impacted on the food security of the nation.

Kyari, who was represented by Mr Odey Patrick, Assistant Director in the Ministry, urged stakeholders to show more concern to the issues of adaptation and mitigation.

Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), said that advocacy, collaboration and partnership were key to combating climate change.

Dahiru, who was represented by Mrs Adesola Effiwatt from the Climate Investment Desk, NCCC, said that climate change had gone beyond an environmental it is an economic and social issue.

Mrs Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), urged that whatever decision to be implemented to build climate resilience.

“GEF is the largest funder of environmental projects in the world, we have seven national parks and communities around them are surrounded with natural resources that we are trying to manage,’’ she said.

Mr Kenneth Akpan, representative of the Country Director OXFAM, expressed optimism that the budget on climate change could carry all stakeholders along. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abigael Joshua

The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, says there is need to safeguard the environment for sustainable development and environmental integrity.

Lawal made this submission on Wednesday in Abuja at a workshop on Reviewing the Outcomes of the 28th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The workshop was organised by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

“The time for bold, decisive action is now; our success hinges on our ability to forge a robust partnership, mobilise stakeholders, and deliver on the commitments we have made to safeguard our environment and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

“As a nation, we have a responsibility to take action and to work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our people and our environment.

“The 28th session of COP to the UNFCCC was a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change and served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for resolute action in the face of escalating climate crises and environmental challenges.’’

The minister said that Nigeria, like many other countries, was already feeling the impacts of climate change.

“As we gear up for COP 29, it is imperative that we foster the spirit of collaboration, unity, and shared responsibility, harnessing the collective wisdom, expertise, resources of all stakeholders and firm commitments to advance Nigeria’s environmental goals,” Lawal said.

Earlier, Dr Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of NCCC, said that Nigeria’s participation at COP 28 reaffirmed the need for strengthened collective climate change action across three pillars of Adaptation, Finance, and Mitigation.

“It is critical to note that these actions include an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly, and equitable manner in this critical decade.

“This will enable the world to reach net zero emissions by 2050, in keeping with the science.

“As an oil-producing and developing nation, the agreements forged during COP 28 pose the need for a strategic review of our national actions and climate goals.

“We seek to facilitate an inclusive participatory process to motivate actions towards seeking higher ambitious goals for our transition to a low carbon economy.

“And to create a forum for government, businesses, and other stakeholders to continue to shape and strengthen the climate action processes in Nigeria,” Dahiru said.

Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in a keynote address, said that Nigeria was faced with numerous climate challenges that demanded bold and decisive action.

“We must rethink and restructure our national budgets to prioritise sustainability and combat climate change head-on,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanneew.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Chijioke Okoronkwo

By Abigael Joshua

The Federal Ministry of Environment on Tuesday in Abuja said it would partner with the Institute of Environmental Practitioners of Nigeria (IEPN) on environmental sustainability.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, said this at the inauguration ceremony of the 1st Governing Council of IEPN.

Lawal who was represented by Dr Olubunmi Olusanya, Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health in the ministry, assured that the Ministry would unlock all potentials in the environment sector and regulate environmental professionalism.

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, President and Chairman of Governing Council of IEPN said that the institute is saddled with the responsibility of regulating the activities of its members in protection of the Nigerian environment.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in Environmental Governance and Ecosystem Management in Nigeria. It was not an easy task going through the process of signing the IEPN establishment Act into Law.

“Nothing signposts man’s apparent failure to protect Mother Nature than our apathy in combating climate change challenges.

“As a matter of fact, the symbiotic relationship between man and the environment seems to have collapsed. Every passing day presents daunting environmental challenges interfering with ecosystem matrices such as water, air, land and man,”
Ezemonye said.

The president said that it behooves on all, to ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian environment.

He said that the primary mandate of the council is to protect the environment by regulating the activities of environment users in order to proffer environmental justice.

Ezemonye commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for signing the IEPN Act into Law. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Razak Owolabi