In recent years, Nigeria has been experiencing a rise in extreme weather events, such as flooding, droughts, and intense heat waves, due to the effects of climate change.
These events have had devastating impacts on the country’s environment, economy, and population, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the consequences.
According to recent reports, Nigeria has seen a significant increase in flooding, leading to displacement of communities, destruction of crops, and loss of livelihoods.
The drought conditions in some parts of the country have also resulted in food shortages and water scarcity, further exacerbating the already challenging living conditions for many Nigerians.
Some of the states that have been affected by climate change include the following:
1. Lagos State: Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, has been experiencing increased flooding in recent years, leading to displacement of communities and destruction of property.
2. Kaduna State: Kaduna has been impacted by deforestation, leading to soil erosion, reduced agricultural productivity, and loss of biodiversity.
3. Kogi State: Kogi has faced challenges such as desertification, leading to loss of arable land and displacement of farming communities.
4. Ogun State: Ogun has been affected by coastal erosion, resulting in the loss of land and infrastructure along its coastline.
5. Niger State: Niger has been experiencing more frequent and severe droughts, leading to food and water shortages for its population.
6. Cross River State: Cross River has seen impacts of deforestation and erosion, threatening its unique biodiversity and ecosystem.
7. Benue State: Benue has been experiencing increased flooding in recent years, leading to displacement of communities and destruction of property.
These are just a few examples of states in Nigeria that have been affected by climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for action to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.
Experts warn that without urgent action to address climate change and its impacts, Nigeria is likely to face more severe weather events in the future.
The government and local authorities are being called upon to implement measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as investing in sustainable infrastructure, promoting renewable energy sources, and improving disaster preparedness and response systems.
The Federal Government, said no fewer than 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had either experienced various degrees of flooding or recorded casualties as rains intensified this year.
The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, who dropped the red alert during a press briefing in Abuja, warned that 21 more states might suffer flooding.
He stated this against the background of the downpour which grounded business and commercial activities in Lagos and Ogun states.
The resulting flooding brought down a two-storey building in the Mushin area of Lagos and overwhelmed residents while pupils could not attend schools in parts of the state.
Also, a pupil was swept away by the flooding in the Ketu area of Lagos, among others.
However, the Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency released in April had predicted that 148 local government areas in 31 states fell within the high flood risk areas.
The affected states include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi.
Others are Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba and Yobe.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government, under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources currently bought out a framework, “Climate Change Policy” for Kaduna State 2024-2028.
It is expected that with the policy, the following will be addressed:
A) Implement mitigation measures that will promote low carbon as well as sustainable and high economic growth.
B) Enhance state capacity to adapt to climate change
C) Raise climate change related science, technology and research and development to a new level that will enable the country to better participate in international scientific and technological cooperation climate change
D) significantly increase public awareness and collaborate with the private sector, civil societies in addressing the challenges of climate change
E) strengthen institutional mechanism (policy, legislative and economic) put in place by the Federal government to establish a suitable and functional framework for climate change governance and
F) Help the state understand the constraints, challenges, as well as opportunities to develop an informed policy and strategy that can enhance youth access to economic opportunities. (Source : Climate Change Policy for Kaduna State 2024-2028.)
At the unveiling of the new Policy, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas commended the Kaduna state’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
He emphasised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations, to drive sustainable solutions.
Abbas urged all the stakeholders to embrace and support the new policy and set an agenda for other states in Nigeria and beyond.
“Together we can achieve our shared climate objectives and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, it is evident that climate change is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders.
The time to act is now to safeguard the country’s future generations and ensure a sustainable and resilient Nigeria in the face of a changing climate.
Report by Naomi Anzaku Ekele
