Vice President Kashim Shettima Urges Swift Action against Climate Change
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged for collective action to combat the pressing effects of climate change on the region and the country at large.
The Vice President made the call while speaking at the North East Development Commission‘s (NEDC) Climate Change Summit in Gombe on Wednesday.
Sen. Shettima lamented the recent tragic events that have reminded the nation of the devastating reality of climate change.
He noted that communities, livelihoods, and lives across Nigeria have come under increasing threat, urging citizens and leaders alike to rise to the challenge.
“The past few days have been a tragic reminder of the harsh realities of climate change,” Shettima said.
“We have watched in grief as lives, livelihoods, and communities have come under attack. None of us is immune to this existential threat to our ecosystem.”
Shettima praised the NEDC for organising the summit, describing it as a critical step in Nigeria’s response to the global climate crisis.
He highlighted that the effects of climate change, from fluctuating water bodies to erratic weather conditions, are already impacting Nigeria, especially in the North East, which is also dealing with the aftermath of conflicts and environmental degradation.
“Our 2024 flood outlook is a stark reminder of why climate change must not be taken lightly,” he warned.
“While specialists and policymakers have developed contingency plans, it is clear that we need innovative solutions, such as those discussed at this summit, to strengthen climate resilience.
Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and National Climate Change Policy.
He emphasised that while the path to low greenhouse gas emissions is challenging, Nigeria is determined to lead the fight against climate change.
“The country’s efforts under the Great Green Wall initiative were also cited as a crucial part of its strategy to combat desertification and land degradation.
The Vice President also acknowledged the resilience of communities in the North East, particularly those affected by environmental and conflict-related challenges. He commended their determination to survive and contribute to rebuilding more sustainable and secure communities.
“As we work towards mitigating the effects of climate change, we must protect our nation from repeated cycles of floods, food crises, erratic power generation, and unstable water bodies,” Shettima stressed.
“The North East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan is key to securing the future of this region.”
The summit underscored the critical role of collaboration in addressing climate change, with Shettima pledging full support from the federal government to ensure the success and sustainability of these efforts.
The establishment of the NEDC represents a significant step towards a coordinated and effective response to the complex challenges faced by Nigeria’s North-East region.
Its comprehensive approach to development, which includes addressing the root causes of instability and environmental degradation, is crucial for the sustainable progress of the area.
NECS 24 is a strategic initiative to further the mandate of NEDC, ensuring that climate change considerations are at the forefront of the implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
Paul Tarfa concluded, stressing that, “Let us seize this opportunity to build the foundations of a prosperous and resilient Northeast. I look forward to the fruitful discussions and impactful decisions that will emerge from this retreat.”
Major General (Dr.) Paul Chabri Tarfa (Rtd), Chairman of the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to addressing the dual challenges of climate change and the devastation caused by years of insurgency in the region.
He emphasised the importance of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP) in shaping the future of the region.
“This retreat is an essential milestone for the NEDC as we come together to reflect, strategise, and set the course for the effective implementation of the NESDMP,” Tarfa stated, highlighting the retreat’s role in defining both the operational efficiency of the Commission and the future well-being of millions in the North-East.
Tarfa outlined the region’s key challenges, including the lingering impacts of Boko Haram insurgency, climate change effects, and ongoing socio-economic hardships.
“These challenges, though daunting, are surmountable if we ingeniously harness opportunities,” he added, calling for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions to transform the region.
As part of the Commission’s long-term goals, the Chairman pointed to the NEDC’s participation in COP28 in Dubai, aimed at addressing environmental issues such as desertification, drought, and biodiversity loss.
The North-East subregion has been grappling with severe land degradation due to desert encroachment, while climate change has worsened droughts and contributed to water scarcity, further straining rural communities.
Tarfa also emphasised the need for institutional coordination to address climate-induced displacement and conflicts, noting that weak institutional capacity has hindered comprehensive solutions.
He urged participants at the retreat to fully engage, noting that the outcomes of the gathering would play a critical role in shaping the future of the North-East.
NEDC Chief Advocates Climate Action and Resilience at COP28 to Combat North-East Nigeria’s Environmental Challenges
In his remarks Muhammad Goni Alkali, Managing Director of the Commission, highlighted the dire environmental challenges confronting Nigeria’s North-East region.
Alkali emphasised the urgency of addressing key issues such as desertification, drought, biodiversity loss, climate-induced displacement, and weak institutional capacity that are hindering sustainable development in the region.
“The North-East region has been severely impacted by desertification due to the encroaching Sahara Desert, leading to land degradation and reduced agricultural productivity.
“This presents a direct threat to food security and the livelihoods of rural communities,” Alkali stated.
“Water scarcity, exacerbated by the shrinking of Lake Chad, has further intensified these challenges, leaving millions of people struggling for access to safe drinking water.
Alkali also addressed the critical loss of biodiversity in the region, where deforestation and land-use changes are threatening the area’s rich flora and fauna.
He warned that climate change, compounded by human activities, is accelerating these adverse effects, leading to increased displacement and conflicts over dwindling resources.
“In response to these challenges, the NEDC is spearheading the North-Eastern Climate Summit (NECS 24), a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders to protect the environment and build resilience against climate-related risks.
He said the summit, scheduled for 2024, will serve as a platform to develop actionable strategies in line with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
Alkali stressed that NECS 24 and other NEDC efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that climate change considerations are embedded in the region’s development framework.
The NESDMP outlines a roadmap with key pillars such as peaceful society, agricultural leadership, educated populace, flourishing trade, and protected environment, which will guide the region towards sustainable progress.
The NEDC’s role extends beyond immediate relief to a long-term vision that addresses poverty, illiteracy, and environmental degradation.
“Through strategic initiatives like NECS 24, we are charting a course toward a resilient and sustainable future for North-East Nigeria.
