Climate change: Nigeria needs innovative solutions — Omo-Agege

Nigeria faces increasing risks from climate change, including desertification in the North, flooding and erosion in the South, and changes in agricultural productivity, the Deputy Senate President in the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has warned.

Noting that these challenges pose real threats to the nation, he said they require a concerted response from governments at all levels, leaders across political and corporate spheres, and civil society to develop and implement robust strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Senator Omo-Agege spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development’s biannual leadership lecture, where he was the special guest of honor.

He emphasized that effective leadership is imperative in the quest to combat climate change.

“There is no doubt that quality leadership is indispensable in every society because everything, as they say, rises and falls on leadership.

“No organization or society can rise above the level of its leadership,” he said.

Recognizing the challenges, he noted that the Federal Government articulated the National Policy on Climate Change in 2012, which was updated in 2021.

As Deputy President of the Senate, Omo-Agege stated that the policy, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing community resilience, was developed and implemented during his time in the Senate.

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“As we now well know, the Earth’s climate is undergoing unprecedented changes primarily due to human activities and the resultant increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

“Science tells us that the consequences are far-reaching—affecting our environment, economies, health, and the social fabric of societies in fundamental ways,” he said.

Encapsulated in the 2021 policy, known as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the federal government set a target of reducing emissions by 20 percent by 2030, with a conditional target of a 45 percent reduction contingent on international support, the former Deputy Senate President stated.

He added that under the NDCs policy, there are several other initiatives in the renewable energy master plan, including afforestation and reforestation programs and others in agriculture.

Renewing and reinforcing the policy to meet the target is critical for maintaining the balance needed to manage Nigeria’s growing population and ensuring that agricultural growth keeps pace with population increase.

The Climate Change Act, 2021, is the first standalone comprehensive climate change law in West Africa, he noted, adding that leaders across political and corporate spheres, as well as civil society, should develop and implement robust strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

“As we continue to confront the realities of climate change, let us remain committed to sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and inclusive policies. Let us lead by example, inspire others, and work collectively toward a resilient and sustainable future for all,” Omo-Agege said.