Environment
PROF. Chukwumerije Okereke says that Nigeria needs state-level climate governance to meet its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Okereke, who is the President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), Nigeria, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, climate change has created significant environmental problems in Nigeria, affecting all regions and classes.
He said that the 2024 heatwaves were a stark reminder of its impact, causing considerable stress on commercial farmers and threatening food security.
The don noted that Niger Delta faces persistent oil spills, leading to severe soil and water pollution, while the northern regions struggle with drought and desertification.
Okereke stressed that climate change impacts are primarily felt at the subnational level in Nigeria, adding that effective climate action must be localised to tackle it.
“Despite the presence of comprehensive federal policies, such as the Climate Change Act and the Energy Transition Plan, there is a glaring absence of similar frameworks at the subnational level.
“For Nigeria to meet its climate and Sustainable Development Goals, therefore, state-level action is crucial.
“Recognising this, SPP in collaboration with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Department of Climate Change, conducted a survey on subnational climate impacts, actions, and policies.
“The survey engaged diverse stakeholders, including state climate change desk officers, academics, youths, and climate experts.
“The resulting report, ‘Climate Impacts, Policies, and Actions at the Subnational Level in Nigeria,’ was launched in Abuja on November 17, 2023,” Okereke said.
He said that the report found that only eight states, including Nasarawa, Plateau, Yobe, Jigawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Ondo, and Ogun, allocated budgets for climate projects in 2023.
He added that 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had developed climate action plans.
The don explained that Lagos, Enugu, and Rivers State had established dedicated climate change offices, with Rivers State being the only state to pass a Climate Change Bill into law.
“While these developments are promising, it is essential to monitor and evaluate state-level efforts to ensure they achieve their goals.
“SPP, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment’s Department for Climate Change has worked closely to initiate an annual ranking of climate change governance at the subnational level.
“This ranking will assess administrative structures, budget allocations, policies, action plans, and other metrics.
“The inaugural ranking will be released on July 25, 2024, in Abuja, recognising the hard work on the three top states and highlighting areas needing improvement and encouraging better climate action across states,” he said.
Okereke argued that for Nigeria to effectively combat climate change and advance sustainable development, state-level initiatives must complement federal policies.
He said that the upcoming ranking and continued scrutiny of state efforts would drive accountability and enhance climate action, ensuring Nigeria meets its climate goals. (NAN)
2nd July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke SDGs
