The Nation Newspaper

Tag: climate change

  • Engineers seek climate-resilient infrastructure, reforms to protect city

    Engineers seek climate-resilient infrastructure, reforms to protect city

    Environmental engineers and sanitation experts have called for investment in climate-resilient, technology-driven infrastructure and comprehensive sanitation reforms to safeguard Lagos against flooding, pollution and impacts of climate change.

    They spoke yesterday at a professional lecture: “The Environment Sector in Lagos: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, to mark the 70th birthday of veteran engineer, Babatunde Adeyemi Oshodi, at Nigerian Society of Engineers Secretariat, Agege, Lagos.

    Delivering the keynote address, Adedapo Ajadi, Director Drainage Construction and Dredging, Office of Draining Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Lagos state, warned that Lagos, a fastest-growing megacity, faces mounting pressure from urbanisation, coastal vulnerability, rising sea levels and increasingly intense rainfall.

    Ajadi said environmental management in Lagos was characterised by poor drainage networks, weak enforcement of environmental laws, manual waste handling and low public awareness, which worsened flooding and environmental degradation.

    But he noted that the state had recorded improvements through stronger Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and Office of Drainage Services, with expanded drainage infrastructure, routine desilting, removal of illegal structures and data-driven planning using hydrological studies and GIS mapping.

    Read Also: Dangote, NNPCL seal gas supply deal

    “Climate change has altered the rules,” Ajadi said, stressing that future environmental planning must prioritise climate-smart infrastructure, real-time flood monitoring systems, digital asset management and stronger public-private partnerships.

    He added that environmental considerations must be integrated into road, housing and transport development.

    The engineer warned that continued neglect of environmental systems would undermine food security and economic growth, citing desertification and environmental degradation in the country.

    He said Sahara Desert had expanded in the past century, threatening livelihoods.

    Ajadi also raised concerns about declining professional standards, urging engineers to return to ethical practice, rigorous training and mentorship.

    According to him, “a society that accepts average as good enough will inevitably lose value.”

    The lecture paid tribute to Engr. Oshodi, describing him as a mentor, leader and institution builder whose career helped shape Lagos’ environmental and public works systems.

    Earlier, Director of LASEPA, Engr. Sesan Odukoya, said the professional lecture was organised to celebrate Oshodi’s legacy of mentorship and service.

    He described the celebrant as a leader who nurtured generations of engineers and strengthened environmental governance in the state.

    “Many of us sitting here today were shaped by his leadership. He created systems, empowered people and laid foundations that we are still building on,” Odukoya said.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the celebrant, Engr. Oshodi, expressed gratitude for reaching the milestone age of 70, attributing his life and career to divine grace.

    “When you are young, you think 70 is very far. Today, I am here only by the grace of God. Many classmates and friends are no longer alive,” he said.

    The event lecture titled “Future-Ready Professionals for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and Beyond” was delivered by the General Manager of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Engr. Tokunbo Ajanaku.

    Ajanaku traced Nigeria’s development journey from the Millennium Development Goals to the SDGs, stressing that the ultimate measure of development is the well-being and quality of life of the people.

    He explained that the SDGs are built on three pillars, social, economic and environmental, and warned that environmental degradation now threatens progress in the other two pillars.

    “Our forests are disappearing, our water bodies are polluted and food security is under threat. If we fail to fix the environment, economic growth and social well-being will collapse,” he said.

    He criticised the declining quality of professional training, warning against what he described as a “microwave generation” of professionals lacking practical competence and ethical grounding.

    “Future-ready professionals must be properly trained, not just academically, but in character, capacity and competence,” Ajanaku said.

    Sanitation challenges also took centre stage at a panel session themed “Faecal Sludge Management in Lagos State: Challenges, Innovations and Prospects.”

    Panelists, including Odukoya; Director, Urban Policy and Research Department, Office of Urban Development, Mr. Ayodeji Awolesi; Managing Partner, TUSNAH Consulting, Mr. Olufemi Ogunleye; and General Manager, Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), Engr. Femi Afolayan, raised concerns over persistent gaps in faecal sludge management (FSM).

  • Snow in Summer’s Shadow: What extreme winter storms in America, Canada reveal about climate change

    Snow in Summer’s Shadow: What extreme winter storms in America, Canada reveal about climate change

    As the Arctic warms, the systems that once kept cold air contained are breaking down, unleashing extreme winter storms further south.”

    In recent months, images of snow-covered highways, grounded flights, and frozen cities across the United States and Canada have dominated global news. From blizzards crippling parts of the American Midwest to record-breaking snowfall across Canadian provinces, the scenes appear to contradict a warming planet. For many observers, the question has been inevitable: how can climate change be real when snowstorms seem to be getting worse?

    The answer lies not in denying climate change, but in understanding it.

    Climate change does not simply mean hotter weather everywhere. Rather, it describes a disruption of long-established climate systems, leading to more extreme and unpredictable events—including intense cold spells and heavier snowfall in some regions.

    When Warming Fuels Extreme Cold

    “Frozen Cities in a Heating World: The Climate Paradox Behind America’s Snowstorms”

    Scientists explain that rising global temperatures are weakening the Arctic jet stream, a high-altitude wind system that helps keep cold air locked near the North Pole. As the Arctic warms faster than the rest of the planet, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification, the jet stream becomes more unstable.

    When this happens, frigid Arctic air can plunge far south into North America, while warmer air moves northward elsewhere. The result is unusual and often severe winter storms, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously low temperatures to regions unaccustomed to such extremes.

    READ ALSO: The Economist: Nigeria’s economy moving from the brink

    Ironically, a warmer atmosphere can also hold more moisture. When cold air masses collide with this moisture-laden atmosphere, snowfall can become heavier and more intense. This explains why some parts of the U.S. and Canada are experiencing stronger snowstorms even as average global temperatures rise.

    Economic and Social Disruption

    The recent snow events have had serious consequences. In the United States, winter storms have disrupted supply chains, closed schools, damaged power infrastructure, and caused billions of dollars in economic losses. In Canada, prolonged cold spells and heavy snowfall have strained emergency services and exposed vulnerabilities in transportation and housing systems.

    These impacts underscore a key climate reality: extreme weather—whether heatwaves, floods, or snowstorms—carries heavy economic and human costs.

    For countries with strong infrastructure, such events are disruptive but often manageable. For developing nations, including Nigeria, similar climate volatility can be far more devastating.

    Why This Matters to Nigeria

    At first glance, snow in North America may seem distant from Nigeria’s climate challenges. Yet the underlying lesson is deeply relevant. Climate change is not a single, uniform experience; it reshapes weather patterns differently across regions.

    The snowstorms in the U.S. and Canada serve as a warning: no country is insulated from climate instability. Wealth, technology, and geography may reduce vulnerability, but they do not eliminate risk.

    The Myth of “Cold Weather Disproves Climate Change”

    One of the most persistent misconceptions is that cold weather disproves global warming. In reality, climate change is measured over decades, not days or seasons. A single snowstorm—or even a harsh winter—does not negate long-term warming trends.

    In fact, global data consistently show that the past decade has been the warmest on record, despite periodic cold extremes. What is changing is variability: weather patterns are becoming more erratic, more intense, and harder to predict.

    This volatility complicates planning for agriculture, energy supply, health systems, and disaster response worldwide.

    A Global Wake-Up Call

    The snow-driven disruptions in North America have reignited debates about preparedness and resilience. Power grid failures, frozen pipelines, and overwhelmed emergency systems have revealed that even advanced economies are struggling to adapt to climate extremes.

    These events reinforce the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, improved early warning systems, and long-term investment in adaptation—not just emissions reduction.

    For Nigeria, this means strengthening flood control, modernising urban drainage, supporting climate-smart agriculture, and improving energy resilience to withstand both heat and storms.

    From Spectacle to Substance

    Extreme snow makes headlines because it is visually dramatic. But focusing only on the spectacle risks missing the broader message. Climate change is not about one type of weather replacing another; it is about instability replacing predictability.

    The same forces that produce blizzards in North America are driving droughts in the Sahel, floods in coastal West Africa, and heat stress across tropical regions.

    Understanding this interconnectedness is critical for informed public debate and effective policy.

    The Choice Ahead

    The snowstorms blanketing American and Canadian cities are not evidence against climate change; they are part of it. They illustrate how a warming world can paradoxically deliver more severe cold in certain places, even as overall temperatures rise.

    As nations debate climate finance, emissions targets, and adaptation strategies, these events provide real-time proof that delay carries consequences.

    For Nigeria and the rest of the developing world, the lesson is clear: climate change is not a future problem or a foreign issue. It is a present, global challenge demanding urgent, coordinated action.

    Whether it falls as snow in North America or rain in Lagos, climate disruption is reshaping the world. The question is no longer whether climate change is happening, but whether societies are prepared to confront it.

    • Adeleye, PhD, Ibadan. Researcher in Environmental Pollution and Control – badeleye@gmail.com +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate Change: Are nations delivering on climate finance, emissions pledges?

    Climate Change: Are nations delivering on climate finance, emissions pledges?

    When world leaders departed Belém after the conclusion of COP30, speeches were made, communiqués issued, and commitments reaffirmed. As with previous climate conferences, the summit ended on a note of cautious optimism.

    Yet beyond the diplomatic language lies a harder question confronting the global community: are nations truly delivering on their climate promises, or are pledges once again outpacing action?

    COP30 was widely billed as a turning point for implementation rather than ambition. With the Paris Agreement now a decade old, patience is thinning—especially among developing countries already grappling with the devastating effects of climate change.

    “After decades of climate summits, the global conversation is shifting from promises to proof — and patience is wearing thin.”

    At the heart of post-COP30 scrutiny is climate finance. Developing countries insist that meaningful climate action is impossible without adequate funding from wealthier nations whose industrial growth largely fuelled global emissions.

    While COP30 reaffirmed commitments to scale up climate finance, delivery remains uneven. The long-standing promise of mobilising $100 billion annually has faced repeated delays, raising concerns about credibility, transparency, and access.

    “Climate finance delays are no longer administrative problems; they are development risks with real human costs.”

    Read Also: Climate Change: Carbon trapping; a new approach in solving climate crisis

    African nations, including Nigeria, argue that climate impacts are intensifying faster than access to finance. Flooding, desertification, and food insecurity are already exacting economic and social costs.

    Beyond finance, emissions reduction pledges are under increased scrutiny. Major emitters continue fossil fuel expansion even as they announce net-zero targets, creating a widening gap between ambition and reality.

    Nigeria’s climate commitments reflect both aspiration and constraint. With millions still lacking reliable electricity, the country must balance development needs with environmental responsibility.

    “For Africa, climate accountability is inseparable from climate justice.”

    COP30 reinforced the need to move beyond negotiation fatigue toward implementation. Yet enforcement mechanisms remain weak, relying largely on political will.

    The cost of delay is already visible. Climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency, straining public finances and deepening poverty in vulnerable regions.

    As attention turns to future climate summits, success will be measured not by declarations but by impact on communities. The era of promises is giving way to the era of proof.

    • Adeleye, Ph.D, Ibadan. Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450
  • Climate Change: Decarbonisation strategy

    Climate Change: Decarbonisation strategy

    The urgent need to address climate change has led to a growing consensus on the importance of decarbonization. This procedure involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (Co2), to mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, decarbonization is not a one-size-fits-all effort. Different countries, industries, and communities face unique challenges and opportunities in their transition to a low-carbon economy. Decarbonization is a complex strategy and requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account various factors, including:

    Economic development: Countries at different stages of economic development have varying capacities to invest in low-carbon technologies and infrastructure.

    Energy mix: The composition of a country’s energy mix, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables, influences its decarbonization pathway.

    Technological advancements: The availability and affordability of low-carbon technologies, such as solar panels and electric vehicles, impact decarbonization efforts.

    Policy and regulation: Effective policies and regulations are crucial for driving decarbonization, but their design and implementation vary across countries.

    Public acceptance and behavior: Decarbonization requires changes in individual behavior and societal norms, which can be influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors.

    Country-Specific Decarbonization Pathways:

    Countries with different economic, energy, and technological profiles require tailored decarbonization strategies. For example:

    Developed economies: Countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan can focus on transitioning their existing infrastructure to low-carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy.

    Developing economies: Countries like Nigeria, India, Brazil, and South Africa need to balance economic development with decarbonization efforts, leveraging low-carbon technologies to fuel their growth.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Fully funded scholarships for Nigerian students in 2026

    Oil-exporting economies: Countries exporting oil as main stay for their income must diversify their economies to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and invest in low-carbon industries.

    Industry-Specific Decarbonization Strategies:

    Different industries have unique decarbonization challenges and opportunities:

    Energy sector: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

    Transportation sector: Promoting electric vehicles, improving fuel efficiency, and developing alternative fuels like hydrogen.

    Industry sector: Improving energy efficiency, switching to low-carbon production processes, and developing CCS technologies.

    Agriculture sector: Implementing sustainable agriculture practices, reducing synthetic fertilizer use, and promoting agroforestry.

    Community-Led Decarbonization Initiatives:

    Local communities can play a vital role in decarbonization efforts:

    Community-owned renewable energy projects: Community-led initiatives can develop and own renewable energy projects, such as wind farms or solar cooperatives.

    Energy efficiency programs: Communities can implement energy efficiency programs, such as building insulation and retrofitting, to reduce energy consumption.

    Sustainable transportation initiatives: Communities can promote sustainable transportation options, such as car-sharing, bike-sharing, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

    Conclusion: Decarbonization is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires tailored approaches for different countries, industries, and communities. A one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each country and industry. Instead, policymakers, businesses, and communities must work together to develop and implement context-specific decarbonization strategies that balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.

    By acknowledging and addressing the diversity of decarbonization challenges and opportunities, we can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan). Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate Change: Carbon trapping; a new approach in solving climate crisis

    Climate Change: Carbon trapping; a new approach in solving climate crisis

    World over, the phenomenon of carbon capture is currently gaining momentum as a key climate solution. Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions from various sources, such as power plants, industrial processes, or directly from the atmosphere, to prevent them from being released into the atmosphere.

    The goal is to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming and climate change. So there’s a growing global experiment known as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). It may not have the glamour of solar farms or the futuristic shine of electric cars, but many scientists believe CCUS could be one of humanity’s most important tools in the battle against climate change.

    For decades, the fight against global warming has focused on one mantra; “Cut Emissions”. And indeed, shifting to renewable energy, electrifying transport, and changing consumption habits remain critical. Yet there’s a hard truth: industries like cement, steel, and aviation will keep producing large amounts of carbon dioxide for years to come.

    Even if every country met its emissions targets tomorrow, the planet would still be burdened by billions of tons of CO₂ already in the atmosphere. That’s where CCUS comes in. Instead of letting carbon float freely into the sky, these technologies trap it at the source or suck it directly from the air.

    From there, the carbon can either be locked away underground or turned into something useful; such as, synthetic fuel, stronger concrete, or even fizzy drinks. CCUS isn’t new. Oil companies have injected carbon underground for decades to squeeze out more petroleum. What’s new is the push to use this method not to extract oil but to protect the climate.

     The technology, however, is expensive. Transporting and storing it safely adds more costs and raises questions about long-term safety. Critics also argue that CCUS could become a “fig leaf” for polluting industries, a way to delay hard transitions to cleaner energy. Yet momentum is building.

    Read Also: Climate Change: Energy transition towards net zero emissions

    The United States has rolled out generous tax credits for captured carbon under the Inflation Reduction Act. The European Union is funding storage hubs in the North Sea. In Asia, Japan and South Korea are investing in CCUS alongside hydrogen development. As of 2024, more than 300 large-scale projects are in development worldwide.

    Some entrepreneurs see carbon not as waste but as a resource. Companies are experimenting with turning captured CO₂ into carbon neutral jet fuel, building materials that harden faster, and even vodka distilled from thin air. These futuristic sounding ventures may not solve the climate crisis alone, but they highlight a shift in mindset: carbon is not just something to bury, but something to reimagine.

    For communities living near heavy industries, the promise of CCUS is more immediate. If steel plants in India or cement kilns in Nigeria can capture their emissions instead of releasing them, local air could become cleaner and health risks lower. For young climate activists, however, the idea is more complicated: they worry CCUS could lock societies into fossil fuels for longer than the planet can afford.

    Experts stress that CCUS is not a magic bullet. At best, it’s one piece of a much larger puzzle. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly said that without carbon removal technologies, it will be nearly impossible to limit global warming to safe levels. But CCUS must go hand in hand with renewables, conservation, and lifestyle shifts.

    In Texas, the giant fans keep whirring, each turn pulling molecules of carbon out of the sky. It may not look like much, but multiplied by hundreds of plants around the world, it could help buy the planet some time; time to breathe, adapt, and build a cleaner future.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450
  • Climate crisis threatens livelihoods as FG steps up environmental action — Lawal

    Climate crisis threatens livelihoods as FG steps up environmental action — Lawal

    The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has warned that rising temperatures, desertification, flooding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation are already undermining livelihoods across Nigeria, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the challenges.

    Lawal gave the warning at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting held in Katsina State, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

    He noted that the crises are deeply interconnected and demand an integrated, science-driven, and multi-sectoral response.

    According to the minister, the Federal Government has rolled out several national initiatives to confront the challenges, including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, and the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management. He added that renewable energy and clean cooking policies are also key components of the country’s environmental response framework.

    “There should be innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and carbon markets, as well as stronger private sector engagement,” Lawal said. “Corporate actors such as the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Bottling Company, as potential partners in environmental restoration and sustainability efforts, should be included.”

    The minister commended Katsina State for what he described as exemplary leadership in climate governance, noting that the state ranked second in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.

    He highlighted Katsina’s Green Economy Roadmap, which prioritises renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste-to-energy solutions, and climate-smart development.

    Lawal also pointed to the state’s plans to establish a Green Investment Fund and implement a 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan, urging other states to emulate Katsina’s model by transforming environmental challenges such as desertification and soil degradation into opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

    In his remarks, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, represented by his deputy, Farouk Lawal Jobe, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He said the governor’s early approval of funding and sustained support ensured the successful hosting of the council meeting.

    Jobe described the National Council on Environment as a critical platform for policy harmonisation, collaboration, and coordinated action in addressing Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges.

  • Climate Change: Energy transition towards net zero emissions

    Climate Change: Energy transition towards net zero emissions

    As the global efforts toward clean energy rises, Nigeria the giant of Africa though not left out, stands at a critical crossroads. One where economic ambition and environmental responsibility must find common ground. With a growing population, expanding industries, and deep reliance on fossil fuels, the nation faces the delicate challenge of powering its future without compromising the planet’s sustainability. The question is not whether Nigeria will transition to cleaner energy, but how and how fast.

    The Challenge of Dual Realities: Nigeria remains Africa’s largest oil producer, and petroleum exports continue to be a backbone of the national economy. Yet, while oil revenues drive government income, they also expose the nation to price shocks and global energy market volatility. Meanwhile, millions of Nigerians still lack access to stable electricity. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over 85 million Nigerians about 40% of the population live without electricity. For many, kerosene lamps and petrol/diesel generators remain the norm. This paradox vast energy wealth but limited access underscores the urgency of an inclusive energy transition.

    Steps toward a Cleaner Future: The Nigerian government has begun taking steps toward a greener energy pathway. The Energy Transition Plan (ETP) launched in 2022 aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2060, while expanding access to affordable energy for all Nigerians. Key pillars of the plan include investing in solar power, natural gas as a transition fuel, electric mobility, and clean cooking solutions for households. The ETP also emphasizes the creation of green jobs, targeting over 300,000 new opportunities in the renewable sector by 2030. The private sector is already playing a vital role. Solar mini-grid projects are lighting up rural communities in some states in the country. Also Companies like Arnergy, Lumos Nigeria and Schon Peesol Energy are helping various businesses and organisations power operations through solar systems, while startups such as Rensource are pioneering decentralized renewable energy models. These efforts show that clean energy is not only about protecting the climate, it’s about unlocking economic empowerment and social progress.

    The Role of Natural Gas: Given Nigeria’s rich gas reserves, the largest in Africa, natural gas is positioned as the “bridge fuel” between dirty and clean energy sources. Experts argue that gas can support industrial growth and electricity generation while reducing reliance on more polluting fuels like diesel and coal. However, the success of this strategy depends on investment in infrastructure; pipelines, distribution networks, and storage facilities alongside strict environmental safeguards to prevent methane leakage, a potent greenhouse gas.

    Policy, Partnerships, and People: Nigeria’s transition cannot succeed on government policy alone. It requires strong partnerships between Federal and State authorities, private investors, international donors, and most importantly, local communities. The federal government’s recent partnership with the African Development Bank and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa aims to mobilize billions in renewable energy investments. Meanwhile, community led solar cooperatives are emerging as a grassroots solution to Nigeria’s chronic power deficit. Public education also plays a role. As renewable energy expands, citizens must understand its benefits not just for the environment, but for household budgets and national resilience. A shift in mindset, from dependence on generators to adoption of sustainable technologies, will define the success of this journey.

    Read Also: Climate Change: The rising tide of climate migration

    Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables will not be easy. It demands large-scale funding, technological capacity, and political will. Yet, the cost of inaction is far greater worsening pollution, rising fuel costs, and missed economic opportunities in a rapidly decarbonizing world.

    Nigeria’s energy future must balance ambition with realism. The path forward is not about abandoning oil overnight, but about diversifying energy sources, investing in innovation, and ensuring that no citizen is left behind. As the sun sets on the age of oil, a new dawn of clean energy is rising across Nigeria. The nation’s challenge and opportunity lies in ensuring that this light shines on every home, business, and village. If managed wisely, Nigeria’s energy transition could become a global model proving that growth and sustainability are not opposing goals, but twin engines driving the nation toward a brighter, greener tomorrow.

    • Adeleye, Ph.D; Ibadan. is a Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control @ Joseph Ayo Babalola University
    • amadeleye@jabu.edu.ng 
    • +234 803 525 6450
  • FG, state govts chart strategies to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss at 18th NCE meeting

    FG, state govts chart strategies to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss at 18th NCE meeting

    The Federal and state governments on Thursday outlined strategies to address the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution at the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment in Katsina State.

    The three-day meeting, held at the Katsina State Secretariat, brought together commissioners, environmental experts, policymakers, and development partners from across the country.

    With the theme “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the council meeting served as a high-level platform for discussions on strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable development nationwide.

    Participants deliberated extensively on measures to mitigate climate change impacts, conserve biodiversity, and curb environmental pollution, while stressing the need for coordinated and sustained action by federal, state, and local governments.

    The Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, who participated in the meeting, described the engagement as timely and impactful.

    He commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for convening the council, noting that the resolutions reached would enhance inter-agency collaboration and strengthen responses to environmental challenges, particularly in oil spill management and pollution control.

    Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, thanked participants and praised Katsina State for its improved environmental performance, noting its rise from 24th position in 2024 to second place in 2025 among Nigeria’s 36 states.

    He described the development as a demonstration of leadership in climate governance and environmental management.

    Lawal stressed that climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are interconnected crises posing serious threats to Nigeria’s environment, economy, and citizens.

    He highlighted federal initiatives such as the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Programme, the National Policy on Plastic Waste Management, and the National Adaptation Plans, all of which emphasise clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation and protect the health of women and children in rural communities.

    The minister noted that Nigeria faces diverse environmental challenges, including desertification in the north, gully erosion in the Middle Belt, and coastal erosion and rising sea levels in the south, with some communities already submerged.

    He further emphasised that government funding alone is insufficient, calling for innovative financing options such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate funds, and voluntary carbon markets.

    He urged states to explore green bonds and deepen private-sector engagement to support practical environmental projects.

    Lawal called on stakeholders to ensure that council deliberations translate into practical, measurable, and actionable outcomes, stressing that environmental protection is central to public health, economic growth, and sustainable development.

    The 18th NCE meeting ended with renewed commitments by stakeholders to implement policies and strategies aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s environment and promoting sustainable development.

  • Climate Change: The rising tide of climate migration

    Climate Change: The rising tide of climate migration

    Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences for our planet and its inhabitants. One of the most devastating effects of climate change is climate migration – the forced displacement of people due to rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.

    The Alarming Reality: The World Bank estimates that climate change could displace up to 143 million people by 2050, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. This is not just a humanitarian crisis, but also a threat to global stability and security.

    Causes of Climate Migration

    Rising Sea Levels: Coastal communities are being displaced due to rising sea levels, erosion, and increased flooding.

    Drought and Water Scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures are leading to droughts and water scarcity, forcing people to migrate.

    Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, are displacing communities and destroying livelihoods.

    Loss of Livelihoods: Climate change is impacting agriculture, fisheries, and other industries, leading to loss of livelihoods and forced migration.

    Consequences of Climate Migration:

    Social and Cultural Disruption: Climate migration can lead to the loss of cultural heritage, social networks, and community cohesion.

    Economic Burden: Climate migration can place a significant economic burden on host countries and communities, straining resources and infrastructure.

    Human Rights Concerns: Climate migrants often face human rights challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment.

    Global Security Risks: Climate migration can contribute to global security risks, including social unrest, conflict, and terrorism.

    Solutions and Strategies:

    Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as sea walls, levees, and green roofs, can help protect communities from climate-related disasters.

    READ ALSO; FULL LIST: Countries banned, excluded from FIFA World Cups (1938- 2026)

    Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry and permaculture, can help communities adapt to changing climate conditions.

    Climate Education and Awareness: Educating communities about climate change and its impacts can help them prepare and adapt to climate-related challenges.

    International Cooperation: Strengthening international cooperation and agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, can help address the global challenges of climate migration.

    Conclusion: Climate migration is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, it is essential that we prioritize the needs and rights of climate migrants. By working together, we can reduce the impacts of climate migration and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

    • Dr. Adebayo Matthew, Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450

  • Climate change threatens global food sustainability and agriculture

    Climate change threatens global food sustainability and agriculture

    Global Impact: Climate change is working havoc on global food sustainability and agriculture, posing a significant threat to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events are adversely affecting crop yields, food security, and the livelihoods of farmers worldwide. The World Bank Group warns that up to 2030, climate change could push 43 million more people into poverty in Africa alone.

    Key Adverse Effects: Reduced Crop Yields; Climate change is projected to lead to decreased crop yields, especially in regions already struggling with food insecurity. Water Scarcity; Changes in precipitation patterns and increased evaporation due to warmer temperatures will exacerbate water scarcity, affecting irrigation and crop growth. Increased Malnutrition; Climate change is expected to increase malnutrition, particularly in areas with limited access to diverse and nutritious food.

    Nigeria Case Study: Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is particularly vulnerable to climate change’s impacts on food sustainability and agriculture. Studies have shown that climate change is already affecting Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, leading to food insecurity and increased malnutrition. To address these challenges, experts recommend adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, such as: Drought-Resistant Crops: Introducing drought-resistant crop varieties to help farmers adapt to changing precipitation patterns. Efficient Irrigation: Promoting efficient irrigation systems to minimize water waste and optimize water use. Sustainable Farming Methods: Encouraging sustainable farming practices, such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry, to enhance soil health and biodiversity.

    Let’s dive deeper into Nigeria as a case study on how climate change affects food sustainability and agriculture. Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to climate change’s impacts on agriculture, which is a vital sector contributing about 23% to the country’s GDP and employing 70% of the labor force. However, nearly 40% of the population faces poverty and food insecurity, which climate change exacerbates. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and shorter growing seasons threaten agricultural output, with some crops potentially facing yield reductions of up to 25% by 2050.

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    Regional Disparities: Nigeria’s regional disparities play a significant role in climate change’s impact. Northern Nigeria experiences greater climatic unpredictability and extreme heat, while the southern region enjoys a more stable growing season due to its humid coastal climate.

    Smallholder Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies: Smallholder farmers in Nigeria are employing various adaptation strategies to cope with climate change, including: Diversifying Crop Portfolios; Switching to drought-tolerant root or tuber crops to offset adverse effects. Expanding Livestock Holdings: Diversifying income sources to reduce dependence on crop yields. Adjusting Agricultural Input Usage: Reducing fertilizer use and purchased seeds to minimize costs.

    Policy Recommendations: To address these challenges, experts recommend: Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Incentivizing adoption through policies like the Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Policy Framework. Pro-Poor Interventions: Targeted support for low-cost financing options to improve smallholders’ access to climate-proof agricultural inputs and technologies. Livelihood Capital Inequality Reduction: Policies to reduce inequality of access to land and other productive assets.

    Call to Action: Global cooperation and collective action are necessary to mitigate climate change’s adverse effects on food sustainability and agriculture. Governments, farmers, and individuals must work together to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices and ensure a sustainable food future for all. By understanding Nigeria’s specific challenges and adaptation strategies, we can better support climate-resilient agriculture and food sustainability in the region.

    • •Dr.  Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) is a Researcher on Environmental Pollution and Control badeleye@gmail.com  +234 803 525 6450