The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) says the ways to build climate resilience solutions in Nigeria will take the centre stage at its 30th summit slated for October 2024.
The acting Head, Strategic Communications and Advocacy, NESG, Mr Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, said this on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Lagos.
The 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, with the theme: “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness and Stability,” is scheduled for October 14 to 16, 2024.
Ayanlowo said the summit aims to harness diverse perspectives and collective expertise to address common challenges, create shared opportunities, and ensure sustainable economic progress for all Africans.
He added that the NES#30 would chart a path towards a unified, competitive and prosperous future for Nigeria and the African continent.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced devastating floods that claimed the lives of at least 662 people, injured 3,174 individuals, displaced approximately 2.5 million people, and destroyed around 200,000 homes.
Ayanlowo noted that, in the light of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, charting the way forward for climate resilience was important.
“This crucial discussion comes at a time when Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, faces mounting challenges in enhancing climate resilience due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
“The NESG summit’s will is to address the urgent need for accelerated action to bolster Nigeria’s climate resilience amidst a backdrop of significant climate-related challenges.
On his part, Mr Osagie Okunbor, Private Sector Co-Chair of the NESG Sustainability Policy Commission, Steering Committee, said that Nigeria was vulnerable to climate change impacts such as coastal erosion, flooding, and pollution.
Okunbor said the challenges were already causing significant socio-economic disruptions in the Niger Delta, with ocean encroachment and rising sea levels threatening homes and farmlands.
He emphasised the compounded fragility risks in northern Nigeria, where desertification was accelerating environmental degradation and threatening livelihoods.
Okunbor added that erosion was damaging road infrastructure and threatening food security with farmlands being ravaged by gully complexes in the South East.
He stressed the need for comprehensive infrastructure development, ecosystem management, community engagement, and international cooperation to ensure Nigeria’s sustainable development and climate security.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, an Assistant Director, Mr Simon Ezinkwo, emphasised that Nigeria faces significant threats from climate change, which adversely impacts both the economy and the environment.
He stressed that addressing these challenges require a comprehensive approach, including the development of climate-smart and resilient infrastructure.
He also highlighted the importance of collective action in building a sustainable future and underscored the need for robust environmental policies, regulations, and sustainable land management practices to address the root causes of climate vulnerability.
Dr Zainab Pisagih, Deputy Director of Environment and Regional Development at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, highlighted the ministry’s role in integrating climate resilience into national planning.
She emphasised the need for green budgeting and the allocation of adequate resources for climate-related activities.
By Mercy Omoike
