Hosted by Rwanda, the 38th Board meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) took place from March 5 to 7, the first Board meeting of 2024. The meeting began with a memorial to honour GCF Board member, Daniel Machado da Fonseca, from Brazil, who passed away on March 3.
The GCF 38th Board meeting in Kigali, Rwanda
The GCF Board endorsed 11 climate projects, committing $489.8 million of GCF resources. With co-financing, the 11 projects total $1.26 billion.
With the new projects approved, GCF’s overall portfolio now stands at $13.9 billion, with a total value of $53 billion of assets under management, including co-financing.
The projects contribute to GCF’s second strategic programming priorities for 2024-2027 with a strong focus on directly supporting vulnerable countries adapt to climate change. These include projects in the Cook Islands, Sierra Leone, Cambodia and Pakistan. Seven projects target Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and African States.
The diverse projects bring innovation, impact and are groundbreaking on several fronts. The Acumen Climate Action Pakistan Fund aims to establish a $80 million climate fund and is Pakistan’s first woman-led adaptation-focused fund supporting agribusinesses. In the Cook Islands, the first single-country project will be rolled out – the first brought by a national organisation (Direct Access Entity) – and the first solely targeting climate and health in the Pacific region.
Project agreements were also signed for five projects after the Board’s approval, reflecting the urgency by GCF and project partners to deliver projects on the ground.
Green Climate Fund Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte, said: “Today, our Board has once again proven that the Green Climate Fund is delivering faster climate action and setting new benchmarks. Their leadership has made it possible to approve the largest number of GCF-approved initiatives led by developers from the Global South, and to begin programming with eight new implementing partners, known as Accredited Entities.
“I’m thrilled that two of these entities will be the first in their respective countries to access GCF resources. In addition, we reached another milestone: two project agreements signed in Kigali are immediately moving into implementation. Through these accomplishments we are also honouring the legacy of the late Daniel Machado da Fonseca, a tireless advocate for developing countries and climate action as well as Brazil’s representative on the GCF Board, whom we tragically lost this week. The least we can do in his memory is raise our collective ambition to address the crises before us.”
The GCF Board approved the accreditation of eight new organisations – six are sub-national, national or regional organisations from Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Mexico, Colombia and Panama.
Also on the agenda were discussions on the way forward with a GCF regional presence, exploring how better to support the countries and regions it serves; and the financing of results-based payment for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation).
It was the first meeting for the newly appointed Co-chairs, Milagros De Camps German from the Dominican Republic and Sarah Metcalf from the United Kingdom. Victoria Gunderson, GCF Board member, and former Co-chair, was appointed Co-chair for the meeting in place of Sarah Metcalf who was unable to attend.
Members of the Board visited the GCF-backed Green Gicumbi project in northern Rwanda organised by Ministry of Environment on March 7. The project increases the climate resilience of vulnerable communities in nine sectors of the Gicumbi district. People here are restoring and enhancing local ecosystems and the capacity of communities to sustainably manage forest resources.
The 39th Board meeting will be held in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from July 15 to 18, 2024.
March 8 annually is celebrated as International Women’s Day. This year, the theme is “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. It has been that the most developed societies are those that invested in women. In Nigeria, the population of women is about 50% of the total population and no nation can make progress by leaving behind half of her population.
Women accessing clean water from the installed rainwater harvesting system
Investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is one of the most effective ways of investing in women. Poor access to WASH impacts more negatively on women and the girl child. They bear the most cost and burden of time sent in search of water for domestic uses, they are more vulnerable to infection from poor access to hygiene and non-availability of decent toilets.
Women are also the most susceptible to violence arising from looking for water or practicing open defecation. Even where toilets are built in public places, they are not inclusive and safe and do not accommodate the needs of women as envisaged by SDG 6.2. They are not able to access facilities for managing their menstrual hygiene with dignity and are therefore excluded from economic and livelihood activities during their period. This is made worse by the high cost of menstrual hygiene materials resulting in period poverty.
Low investment in WASH affects women’s rights to education, health, dignity of human persons and livelihoods.
As the world commemorates this year’s International Women’s Day, WaterAid calls on the Government of Nigeria at all levels to invest in increasing access to WASH in a manner that addresses the needs of women. This includes provision of potable water so that women can access water easily, investment in safe, inclusive, and sustainable sanitation facilities to guarantee women’s health and promote the availability of accessible and affordable hygiene materials to preserve women’s dignity.
Evelyn Mere, WaterAid’s County Director, says: “The lowest hanging fruit for investing in women to achieve progress is to invest in safe and inclusive WASH. Increasing access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene helps protect the rights of women, promote their dignity, and enhance national development. WaterAid has collaborated with some government agencies to design female friendly toilets that supports this process. We call on governments at all levels to adopt them, and invest in construction, and replication in public places as part of this women friendly investment that today seeks to promote.”
350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon (350 G-ROC) and 350Africa.org have released a documentary shedding light on the remarkable journey of the Renewable Energy for Communities (RE4C) campaign in Ghana. The documentary, titled “The Renewable Charge,” highlights the origins and achievements of the campaign by 350 G-ROC, which evolved from a volunteer-led anti-coal campaign into a remarkable community-centered advocacy movement for renewable energy.
Community-centred renewable energy: Solar grill stove in use by rural women
Following the success of 350 G-ROC’s efforts to oppose a coal-fired power plant in Ekumfi District, Ghana, the RE4C campaign was launched, bringing together community members, activists, and stakeholders united in their commitment to promoting renewable energy solutions and pushing for greater renewable energy ambition in Ghana.
From training youth and women in the benefits and use of solar, organising community convenings, engaging policymakers, and lobbying for renewable energy initiatives, the film captures the dedication of individuals and community members as they navigate the energy policy and advocacy landscape in Ghana.
In 2022, the RE4C campaign brought together a diverse group of organisations under the banner of the Renewable Energy for Communities Coalition (RE4CC) to accelerate the integration of 10% decentralised renewable energy into Ghana’s energy mix by the year 2030.
Landry Ninteretse, Regional Director 350Africa.org, said: “We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of the RE4C campaign through this documentary, which is a testament to the power of community organising and grassroots advocacy in driving positive change. The campaign is igniting a renewable energy revolution in which communities are taking matters into their own hands in the pursuit of energy access and a sustainable future free of the devastating impacts of the climate crisis that have become our lived reality.
“In turn, we urge our governments across the continent and global financial institutions to prioritise community-centered renewable energy projects and call on developed nations historically responsible for the highest emissions to channel finances towards fostering a just transition to renewables in Africa.”
Portia Adu- Mensah, National Coordinator, 350 G-ROC: “At its core, the RE4C campaign is about strengthening communities to take control of our energy future. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we are working to build a more sustainable and equitable energy system for all Ghanaians. By centering the voices and experiences of local communities, our campaign aims to ensure that renewable energy policies and projects are responsive to the needs of the people. As we take on these efforts at the grassroots level, we urge the government to enforce the implementation of the country’s renewable energy plans, among them achieving 10% renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2030.”
The release of the documentary took place during a webinar as the world commemorated Solar appreciation day, with community screenings set to be held in Pungu and Nawognia areas in Navrongo in Northern Ghana, the location of Ghana’s first Solar PV utility-scale project from March 9 to 10, 2024. Following the screening, 350 G-ROC and partners will distribute solar bulbs to communities in the area.
Climate change impacts on the local communities are high because they depend primarily on natural resources. Their dependence on agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors makes them more vulnerable to climate-related impacts such as droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. These impacts can lead to significant economic losses, such as crop failure, livestock damage, and indeed food insecurity, threatening the agricultural and water ecosystems, with intensified competition for natural resources.
Flooded farmland
With climate change and rising natural resource competition, providing food to a growing population has become increasingly challenging. Thus, a need for the adoption of a locally adapted response that ensures climate resilience practices to ensure adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. To protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems from climate change, adaptation is a crucial component.
In other words, it means altering processes, practices, or structures to minimise potential damages or to take advantage of climate change opportunities. Local communities are developing indigenous adaptation solutions and implementing actions to respond to current and future climate change impacts.
The climate resilience of the agroecosystems and socioeconomic livelihood is strengthened by community initiatives for collective action to improve the surrounding natural resources and ecosystems so that it advances the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural practices and initiatives for a sustainable future. Local communities approach climate adaptation response in a way that uses several traditional knowledge and indigenous solutions. Their adaptation capabilities and resilience against climate change can be increased using methods specific to their environment.
While national adaptation strategies feature a great deal of high-level planning and policymaking, adaptation at the local level is usually fast-paced and iterative. Adaptation practices and initiatives of these communities are primarily controlled by different agroecological zones, indigenous/traditional knowledge systems and cultural values. These adaptation practices have been underway for decades, albeit at a small scale.
Communities are using Indigenous solutions and local knowledge to inform decisions influencing the implementation of the adaptation responses; with evidence increasing of human responses to the impacts of climate change in Africa. However, understanding the effectiveness of these responses for adaptation to climate change across the diversity of African contexts is still limited. Despite the high reliance on climate-smart agriculture for climate adaptation by local/rural communities, the potential of indigenous solutions and local knowledge to contribute to adaptation through reducing climate risk or supporting transformative locally led adaptation responses is yet to be established.
Local People in highly vulnerable areas are up to 15 times more likely to die in floods, droughts, and storms (compared to those in most resilient areas), thus, the need to scale up practices and infrastructure to enhance resilience, via mainstreaming effective and equitable climate action now will reduce losses and damages for nature and people. Community by community, the impact of climate change and the vulnerability of the locals differ, according to the different regions and environment/weather conditions. Contextually, they must develop relevant responses to climate risks, with solutions specific to cities and rural areas and the priorities of indigenous peoples. These solutions must be implemented with community priorities and governance at the forefront.
With the environment around us changing in unpredictable ways, people are reinventing their relationship with nature. This has come with immense creativity that can be tapped into climate-smart adaptation solutions, via learning from local and indigenous knowledge for climate adaptation response. Local and indigenous solutions add to our understanding of how to manage environmental change.
Integrating and valuing the various indigenous knowledge and local solutions will not only enhance communities’ ability to respond to climate challenges but will also promote a more equitable and effective adaptation and resilient response to climate challenges while ensuring the preservation of traditional practices and cultural heritage in the face of change.
Climate-resilient development within the agroecosystem by integrating measures to adapt to climate change will not only sustain growing food locally to fight hunger but also provide wider benefits, including improving people’s health and livelihoods, with attendant emission and pollution reduction.
This will require local research, led by local researchers, to inform law and policy developments that are evidence-based and reflect the lived experiences of affected communities as well as provide opportunities for collaboration and dialogue on climate resilience between researchers and policymakers. There is also the need to develop and implement relevant international and regional frameworks to ensure that all climate adaptation measures to address climate vulnerabilities take into account the specific needs of the locals: farmers, women, children, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups following relevant human rights and other instruments.
Therefore, there is a need to make locally led adjustments to the actual or expected climate and its effects to moderate harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. Such adjustment will be intended to build the resilience of people, economies and natural resources to the impacts of climate events.
The paper also calls for community advocacy for climate actions that prioritise climate-smart practices that enshrine the principles of locally led adaptation measures in providing indigenous solutions to build required climate resilience. Therefore, for climate action efforts to be effective, they must be seen to involve adaptation measures that integrate locally led climate resilience.
By Timothy Ogenyi, Research Fellow, Centre for Climate Change and Development, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Nigeria (timothyogenyi2708@yahoo.com)
As the Green Climate Fund (GCF) board meets in Kigali, Rwanda from March 4 to 7, 2024, non-state actors, under the convenorship of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) have said that current model of GCF financing and its effectiveness in Africa is not working and should be urgently addressed.
Members of the Africa Climate Summit – Non-State Actors Steering Committee (ACS-NSA) at the meeting in Nairobi
At the Africa Climate Summit – Non-State Actors Steering Committee (ACS-NSA) forum held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, they expressed concern over issues related to low levels of funding in Africa compared to the rest of the developing countries, the GCF’s failure to provide relevant readiness support to African countries, lapses in accountability of GCF in Africa and projects funded by GCF, bureaucratic and highly technocratic processes, and the fact that a substantial portion of the GCF funding is being channelled through a select few large multilateral entities.
The climate campaigners have thus called on the GCF Secretariat to develop a holistic, accountable and transformative framework of engagement with African non-state actors, CSOs and communities most impacted by climate change in the continent, beyond the observer status space.
They also want the Secretariat to strengthen communities and civil society organisations (CSOs) oversight mechanisms on the GCF regarding expanding the role of CSOs to include active participation in project planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. It should likewise relate to directly facilitating oversight and accountability actions by CSOs and communities to enhance their watchdog role across all GCF projects and programmes.
They also want the National Designated Authorities (NDAs) reformed by defining a holistic and inclusive representation of agencies, including communities and civil societies in the overall governance of the national space that is meant to vet and accredit entities for purposes of accessing GCF; fostering partnerships with non-governmental organisations, faith actors, women and youth movements, academia, and the private sector to leverage additional expertise, infrastructure and resources for GCF projects; and developing guidelines that enhance the application of inclusive and participatory approaches on the part of NDAs in project identification, selection, and implementation to ensure the alignment of GCF-funded activities with national priorities and strategies.
The activists further urged the GCF Board to: Secure the interests of the frontline communities through monitoring progress on the implementation of Locally Led Adaptation Principles, create a distinct window for communities and civil societies, give a consideration of debt implications of GCF funding.
The group stated: “We call on the GCF to demonstrate progress towards adoption and action in implementing the principles of locally led adaptation action in all their projects and programmes that interphase with communities in Africa.
“Demand from all GCF Grantees clear documentation that demonstrates the mechanisms put in place by the grantee to strengthen the decision-making power of the local communities in project design and implementation.
“GCF should urgently develop clear targets for annual scaleup of funding to address the increasing impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and ecosystems in Africa.
“The GCF should as a matter of urgency, design a distinct direct access window for the submission and review of proposals from local communities and African CSOs to address inequality and injustices that has hitherto characterised the fund.
“Ensure that such a mechanism is not subject to accreditation and vetting process at the national level through government entities that characterise existing funding arrangements.
“Streamline the accreditation process for DAEs to reduce barriers to entry and promote greater inclusivity in accessing GCF resources while promoting decentralised decision-making processes within DAEs to ensure that funding decisions reflect the priorities and needs of frontline communities.
“GCF should conduct thorough assessments of the potential debt implications of their projects on recipient countries, particularly those with limited financial resources.
“It should also develop financing mechanisms that minimise the risk of debt distress such as providing grants and not loans to ensure that climate funds contribute to sustainable development without burdening recipient countries with additional debt.
“We call on the GCF to work with the UNFCCC and governments across Africa to ensure multilateralism requirements do not impede the delivery of climate finance at the frontline at the speed and scale required.
“We also call on accelerated review of the current model for access to advance a frame model that works for Africa – we cannot continue a business model that is not working for Africa.”
The Lagos State Government has said that the Lagos Island Model City Plan, when operational, will restore the glory of Lagos Island.
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, made this known on Thursday, March 7, 2024, during the Stakeholders Meeting on Lagos Island Model City Plan at the Muson, Centre, Lagos.
He explained that the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the preparation of an inclusive Lagos Island Model City Plan to harness the special characteristics of Lagos Island, plan for its sustainable future growth and socio-economic development while addressing the aspirations of the citizens.
He said that the Plan, which was conceived to correct the negative impacts of the partial implementation of the expired Lagos Metropolitan Master Plan, would, in the next 20 years, seek to position the subject area into a world-class commercial, industrial, and cultural hub across the West African subregion.
He added that the Plan was also aimed to promote the sustainability of the cultural and historical heritage of Lagos Island while advancing a new dimension in the regeneration of traditional communities.
He stated that the consultant, Messrs. Dar-Al-Handasah, adopted a participatory procedure in preparing the Plan to make it the outcome of different levels of stakeholders’ involvement.
“To ensure that no group is left behind in contributing to the achievement of a resilient, sustainable, and organised Lagos Island of our dream, the Draft Final Plan of the Lagos Island Model City Plan was displayed to the public for 28 days between May 17 and June 23, 2023. This was followed by presentations and engagements with other relevant MDAs and interest groups, including the Isale Eko Descendants Union,” he said.
Chairman, House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sylvester Ogunkelu, urged Lagos Island Indigenes to give their support for the enactment of the Model City Plan, which is expected to give a face lift to the Lagos Island environment.
The Special Adviser, e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr.Olajide Babatunde, noted that planning for the future development of Lagos Island was essential as planning was universal and dynamic.
Dar-Al-Handasah, led by the project manager, Mr. Salim Eid, presented the Draft Final Lagos Island Model City Plan along the thematic areas of challenges and issues, opportunities and positioning as well as strategies and outcomes, some of which include flood protection and mitigation, housing and community facilities, heritage and transportation among others.
The indigenes of Lagos Island, mostly represented by Oyinlomo Danmole, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, Prince Abiola Kosoko, Engr. Hakeem Gbajabiamila and Tpl. Lookman Oshodi, spoke severally on the need to incorporate their comments and concerns into the Plan as they would like a blend of development and cultural heritage, devoid of gentrification.
Other speakers include Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Olanrewaju Afinni; the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki; and the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Ayo Joseph.
Other notable personalities at the event include the Lagos WhiteCap Chiefs, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Oluwole Sotire; and former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Toyin Ayinde.
A Professor of Urban Geography and Environmental Management, Magnus Ojeifo, has called for the conceptualisation and development of a master plan to produce better and functional small-sized towns in Nigeria.
Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State
Ojeifo, a lecturer in the Faculty of Environmental Studies, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo, made the call on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the university’s 107th Inaugural Lecture.
The lecture is entitled: “Reinventing Urban Landuse Sustainability: Implications for Planning Small-Sized Towns in Nigeria”.
According to Ojeifo, major cities in Nigeria are becoming too congested with attendant challenges, which do not allow for healthy living.
“The problems of urbanisation, which towns and cities in Nigeria are already contending with, are the unprecedented pressure on land, haphazard and inadequate housing, waste management problems, unemployment, and poor water and energy supply.
“The consequences have been the emergence of slums, traffic problems, insecurity, incidences of disease outbreaks, pollution, flood and urban blight.
“Most cities and towns are not planned, and the administration of land use is poor, hence, physical development is amorphous,” he said.
To further prevent the haphazard use of land in small towns, the don said the study advocated comprehensive physical plan initiatives to address existing problems.
The study, he said, also promoted urban functionality by establishing an aesthetically pleasing and conducive environment for living.
Earlier, the institution’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sonnie Adagbonyin, identified the need to develop new small-sized towns, considering the pressure on the major cities and its attendant environmental challenges.
According to him, developing small-sized towns cannot be overemphasised as we strive to live healthily, safely, conveniently, and efficiently in our different environments.
Meanwhile, he urged the staff and students to sustain the current peace and tranquillity being the bedrock of the various achievements recorded in the institution.
“The management reaffirms its undiluted commitment to an uninterrupted academic calendar and will continue to play its part of promptly paying salaries of deserving staff as well as pensions to our respected pensioners,” Adagbonyin said.
The high point of the event was the formal decoration and admittance of Ojeifo to the class of full professors.
A professor of Mass Communication at the University of Ilorin, Saudat Abdulbaqi, has urged journalists to aggressively report climate change and climate actions to mitigate its effects on the people.
University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Abdulbaqi, who spoke at a One Day Climate Change Journalism Workshop on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Ilorin, said journalists should drive the issue of climate change in their daily reporting from different beats.
She said journalists were the last hope of the common man regarding creating awareness on how human activities caused climate change, especially at the rural areas where they had little or no knowledge about it.
“Climate change is not new, but we are shying away from taking decisive steps to mitigate it.
“It is an established fact that climate change is rarely reported and where it is done, it is under reported.
“To an extent, people in urban areas are aware that their activities contribute to climate change, but people in rural areas are unaware.
“So, it is obligatory on the media to help get the information to them in the language they understand,” she said.
The media guru said it was high time journalists learnt more about climate change; conduct research for the purpose of replication and dig deeper to know if the consequences of climate change could be prevented.
She added that journalists should pay more attention to stories and reports about climate change as it affects our way of life and existence.
Sharing her sentiments, another facilitator, Mr Rasheed Yusuf, who spoke on “Understanding Climate Reporting and Journalism Techniques for Climate Reporting”, said journalists had a significant to play.
He advised journalists not to work in isolation when writing climate stories and emphasised on the need for self-education.
On his part, Mr Dare Akogun, News Editor, Sobi FM, who spoke on “Fact Checking and Debunking Myths on Climate Change’’, tasked the government on engaging experts while coming up with policies on climate change.
He added that journalists should be able to hold leaders and government accountable through their climate reports.
Akogun said journalists should, through their reports, open the eyes of the policy makers to what could be done to mitigate the effects of climate change in the society.
The programme was organised by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative in collaboration with Sobi FM Chapel and Dare Akogun News.
Niger Deltans, demanding for environmental justice for pollution and degradation of our lands will be more impactful if our local community and traditional leaders join their voices with that of the youths and shun the temptation of receiving gratification, contracts and employment for their household from the polluting oil companies and their sympathisers. Gas flaring has damaged the respiratory system, unleashed mental health issues and reduced life expectancy in the region to just 43 years, aside destroying the traditional economic means of survival.
Niger Delta traditional rulers
For over a week now, the people of Gbarantoru community in Bayelsa State have been suffering from intense gas flaring from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) facility in the midst of the community. Massive gas furnace being flared horizontally has even led to the closure of the only school in that community, due to the noxious fumes being emitted into the atmosphere which is devastatingly compromising their respiratory system.
Families in the area can no longer sleep at night due to excessive heat and massive air pollution. The most painful part is that the residents of the community were not consulted to inform them of the commencement of the flares. We do not know which community will be next to cry out. The government, through its regulators – the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) – needs to wake up to their responsibility.
The IOCs have almost concluded their divestment plans with no strong statement from our traditional leaders to ensure they pay compensations and restore polluted environment before their divestment. Our traditional leaders have forgotten the implication of divestment without environmental restoration, in addition to the environmental damages, the stranded asset, stranded personnel and stranded communities all these the IOCs are leaving for the incoming indigenous companies to inherit, who cannot be held accountable for the previous damages.
We are yet to see any major traditional ruler who has taken a stand in the demand for environmental justice. Our environment is our life. If what we hold sacred, our traditional economy system, which is our only means of building cohesion of the people is almost completely destroyed, what do we have to bequeath to our children and the unborn generation? Our farmlands are completely destroyed. Before oil exploitation in our region, my great-grand father used to share with us the story of the richness of our natural ecosystem and biodiversity in the region.
But, since the advent of oil extraction, the environment and entire natural ecosystem has suffered serious damages – aquatic life, vegetation, forests, land animals and human beings. These have all been greatly and negatively impacted. He also told us that the economic trees like walnuts, mangoes, oranges, and palm oil, among others, were their investment crops, with high yields that come with good economic returns. But, today, these crops only produced, little or no yield, even cassava, yams are also greatly affected. All these are due to environmental pollution – gas flare and oil pollution.
This is the time for our traditional rulers to speak with one voice, and do it now before it is too late. They should join the campaign to #SaveNigerDeltaEnvironmentNow and the demand for environmental audit, remediation, clean energy transition parks/initiatives to create green and environmentally friendly jobs as a sustainable alternative measure and financial compensation for damaged local communities in the region.
Since 1956 when oil was discovered in the region, we have suffered continuous environmental pollution with no substantial benefit for our people. If we must win this struggle against IOCs divestment plans without remediation and compensation, traditional rulers have the greatest role to play. They must stop the quest for personal gratification and self-serving benefits. Together we can make the Niger Delta environment safe again. I do not mind if my life is endangered as I can attest to since after our last local community summit on oil divestment and environmental justice. All I demand is that the truth and justice for our environment must prevail.
By Prince Israel Orekha, executive director of Connected Advocacy, an environmental advocacy group working in the Niger Delta, with the Campaign Save Niger Delta Environment Now
Rep. Sam Onuigbo, Member (South-East) Governing Board and Chairman, Committee on Security, Climate Change and Special Interventions, North-East Development Commission, in a keynote address at the Northwest Commissioners’ Summit on Environment and Climate Change in Kano on Thursday, February 29, 2024, stresses that the Nigerian Climate Change Act was designed not only to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to facilitate adaptation and associated measures that are essential for the sustainability of the environment and the prosperity of the people
L- R: Kano State Commissioner of Environment, Nasiru Sule Garo; Founder, Surge Africa Organisation, Nasreen Al-Amin; and Sponsor, Climate Change Act, Rep. Samuel Ifeanyi Oniugbo, at the Northwest Commissioners’ Summit on Environment and Climate Change, in Kano
The imperative of this gathering is that we align our efforts with the objectives outlined in the Nigerian Climate Change Act. This landmark legislation was designed not only to mitigate the impacts of climate change but also to facilitate adaptation and associated measures that are essential for the sustainability of our environment and the prosperity of our people.
Accordingly, Section 1 of the Act captures the overall objectives and states, “This Act provides a framework for achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, inclusive green growth and sustainable economic development…” In addition, the Act provides in Section 3(1) that “there is established the National Council on Climate Change (in this Act referred to as “The Council”), which shall be vested with powers to make policies and decisions on all matters concerning Climate Change in Nigeria.” Furthermore, Section 5(1) (a-u) list the 23-member Council beginning with the President, Vice-President to the Director-General of the Council.
Flowing from the above, let us first delve into the third objective of the Climate Change Act, which emphasises mainstreaming climate change actions in line with national development priorities. The objective recognises that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a cross-cutting challenge that permeates various sectors of society. For the Northwest Region, climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality, manifesting in the form of extreme weather events as prolonged droughts, desertification, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased temperatures.
All these exert immense pressure on our agricultural systems, water resources, health, infrastructure, transportation, energy, resulting in forced migration, poverty, conflict over scarce resources, as well as insecurity. It is therefore important to state that the devastating consequences of climate change and accompanying insecurity were acknowledged by the United Nations in its Resolution UN/R/63/281 of June 3, 2009.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) underscores the importance of building climate resilience in vulnerable regions, stating that “enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change are complementary approaches for reducing and managing climate-related risks.” This quote underscores the need for proactive measures to enhance our region’s resilience to the impacts of climate change, thereby safeguarding the well-being of our communities and ensuring sustainable development.
In 2005, the Africa Union, conceived the idea of forming The Great Green Wall covering 11 countries in the Sahel-Sahara region from Senegal on the West to Djibouti on the East, to “combat desertification, improve soil fertility, and promote sustainable land use practices.” The Great Green Wall, which was launched in 2007, is home to 232 million people across 11 countries.
It should be emphasised that six out of the seven states in the Northwest Region, namely, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara, occupy a significant portion of the arid zone states in Nigeria, captured by the Pan African Great-Green Wall. The other arid zone states recognised by the Great Green Wall are in the Northeast Region, and they are Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi and Gombe.
To illustrate the urgency of this objective, let us consider some pertinent findings specific to the Northwest region. According to recent studies conducted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), temperatures in the region have been steadily rising over the past few decades, with projections indicating further increases in the coming years. This trend not only exacerbates heat-related health risks but also poses challenges to agricultural productivity, as certain crops become less viable under higher temperatures.
The World Bank estimates that climate-related shocks such as droughts and floods, which have increased in frequency and intensity, have the potential to push millions of people in Nigeria into poverty, with the Northwest being particularly vulnerable due to its arid and semi-arid climate.
The UNFCCC emphasises the importance of mainstreaming climate change adaptation and mitigation into national and subnational policies, stating that “integrating climate change considerations into development planning can help identify synergies and trade-offs, optimize resource allocation, and build climate resilience across sectors.” This quote highlights the need for holistic and integrated approaches to climate action that transcend traditional silos and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
It is an indisputable fact that Nigeria has one of the largest and active youth populations globally. At this juncture, I would like to refer to the Number Three (3) Strategic Objectives of the Surge Africa Youth Manifesto on Climate Change 2023, which states “Promote participation and inclusion of youths in government led initiatives to bridge inclusion gaps and provide opportunities for them to influence decision making.” It is worthy of note that Section 5(1)(s) of the Climate Change Act 2021 recognises the place of young people in the overall drive to actualise the great objectives of the Act, by identifying the importance and crucial role played by the youth. From this provision, it is therefore as clear as day that the Act has secured a permanent and important seat for the youths in the National Council on Climate Change.
In the context of our climate change summit today, which focuses on the role of the subnational, mainstreaming climate change considerations into development planning is essential for ensuring that our policies and programs are aligned with our climate goals and aspirations. This requires a paradigm shift in how we conceptualise development, moving away from business-as-usual approaches towards more sustainable and climate-resilient pathways.
This important recognition informed the contents of Section 5(1)(p) and (q) where the Act recognises the critical roles of the subnational by incorporating the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and the President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) as members of the National Council on Climate Change. From this provision of the Act, it is clear that the subnational are recognised as part of the overall objectives to drive climate action across all strata in Nigeria. Therefore, it is important for states to seize this initiative and pass their own laws and develop their own Climate Action Plans in line with the peculiarities of their states.
Taking a cue from the objectives stated in Section (1)(d), states should work out ways of facilitating the mobilisation of finance and other resources necessary to ensure effective actions on climate change. It is in recognition of this that I urge the critical players in the state – the State Assemblies and the State Executive Councils – to collaborate in taking positive actions on climate change issues for a better and more sustainable future.
To illustrate the significance of this objective, let us consider the case of infrastructure development in the Northwest region. As we strive to address the region’s pressing infrastructure needs, such as road networks, irrigation systems, and energy facilities, it is imperative that we mobilise necessary finance and integrate climate change considerations into our planning and decision-making processes across all tiers of government –Federal, States and Local Governments.
For instance, incorporating climate-resilient design standards into infrastructure projects can help mitigate the risks of damage and disruption to supply chains posed by extreme weather events. This will enhance the long-term durability and effectiveness of our investments. Similarly, prioritising renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, can not only reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance energy security and resilience in the face of climate-related disruptions. I urge the subnational to leverage the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023 on renewable energy and on how to extend power to the rural communities.
In conclusion, the objectives of the Nigerian Climate Change Act provide a robust framework for guiding our collective efforts towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for the Northwest region. By promoting climate-resilient development and mainstreaming climate change considerations into our decision-making processes, we can pave the way for a more prosperous and secure tomorrow for generations to come.
From the above provisions, it is clear that the climate change Act recognises and provides for all tiers of governments, the Organised Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations and also the Youths, Women and people with disabilities. In section 22, the Act also provides that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), shall establish a climate change desk to be supervised by an officer not below the Directorate cadre who shall be responsible for ensuring integration of climate change activities into their core mandate.
Therefore, let us seize this opportunity to galvanise action, foster collaboration, and catalyse transformative change in the Northwest region. Together, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and chart a course towards a brighter and more resilient future for all.
