Climate Change In Nigeria

From desertification and drought in the north to gully erosion and flooding in the south, Nigerians are witnessing first hand effects of climate change on their socio-economic life.

Concern about food security is accentuated by knowledge that few countries in the world are less prepared for climate change than Nigeria. There is no adaptation plan, no government capacity to tap into international climate financing mechanisms, and very low public awareness of the risks.

The Nigerian people themselves face a geographical pincer threat from desertification in the north and coastal erosion in the south. Through a combination of overgrazing, abuse of woodland for fuel and increasingly unreliable rainfall, an estimated rate of 600 meters per annum. Over 55 million people in 10 northern states could be affected.

By contrast, rising sea levels threaten Nigeria’s coastal regions. The Niger Delta may be the source of oil wealth but its low-lying terrain crises-crossed with waterways makes it extremely vulnerable to flooding. 

The protective mangroves of this coastline have been largely lost to human intervention. Half of the 15 million population of the city of Lagos lives less than six feet above sea level, including the wealthiest areas of Victoria Island.

In the north, relatively modest techniques are likely to be appropriate to adapt to desertification. Such measures will include tree planting, the use of alternative fuels such as biogas, water harvesting and improved soil management.

 I am initiating an entrepreneurial adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action this initiative must stand though it is bound to take time to become fully operational. Why should we watch Nigeria tropical forest decimate by 97%,                                         

 Why should we allow our country’s broader forest which earlier covered over 12% in 2005, being depleted at a rate of 3.3% per annum? The main cause is the demand for wood fuel. In the absence of affordable alternatives, charcoal is popular even in the cities, boosting its uncontrolled production.

Nigeria, like other African nations which are at the receiving end of the effects of the global climate change, is counting its losses from the impact of the phenomenon.

Climate change has affected farming activities with loss of crops, farmlands and income as a result of either excessive rain which leads to flooding or harsh climatic condition,

Nigeria and other African countries must develop work able strategies for post Copenhagen challenges that would include developing appropriate technology to cope with effects of climate change.

Should we fold our hands and watch the Sahara take over the north, or the gully erosions devour our southern habitants?

'There has to be more efforts and policies towards adaptation, special areas of mitigation, technology and clean energy for industrialization. We need to do what is within our means, while at the same time look forward to what the West will offer. Let us be carefully, send in your views as we combat the return of Sahara and the bully gully.