The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, has emphasised that climate action is pivotal to realising the eight presidential priorities outlined by the current administration.
Salako stated this on Saturday in Abuja during the launch of a project mapping climate change impacts and policies across Nigeria’s 36 states.
He noted that managing environmental issues and climate change successfully requires full participation from sub-national governments and all citizens.
“Managing our environment and addressing issues around climate change successfully needs the full buy in of sub-national governments and in fact every Nigerian,” he said.
The mapping project “aimed to map the impact of climate change in the 36 states.and identify the support needs of each of these states to effectively domesticate climate change policies,” the minister explained.
The minister noted that climate vulnerabilities differ nationwide based on regional variations, with northern areas experiencing more severe effects like droughts and desertification.
Salako revealed that the mapping project assessed each state’s climate awareness, actions taken, and needs to improve climate resilience, as it will help direct resources to the most vulnerable areas requiring urgent interventions.
Some speakers at the event included lawmakers Hon. Sam Onuigbo and Gov. Mohammed Bago.
Onuigbo advised governors and local council chairmen to make adequate climate change budget provisions based on the new assessment.
Onuigbo noted, “With the responsibilities assigned to the representatives of the subnational, governors, and local government chairmen by the Act, they should begin to make adequate budgetary provisions for improved climate change action and resilience.”
Bago reiterated Niger State’s frontline efforts in fighting climate change, including organising a recent green economy summit to discuss sustainable policies.
Bago noted that “the commitment and dedication demonstrated by our government, as well as the people of Niger State, have been exemplary” regarding climate action.
Bago revealed that, recognising “the enormity of unwholesome environmental practices,” Niger State organised a recent Green Economy Summit focused on “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity.”
The mapping project aligns with the Climate Change Act 2021 provision on formulating national climate policies inclusive of sub-national perspectives.