Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) dedication to environmental sustainability and its role in supporting the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies. He made these remarks while presenting a pivotal paper on the NCS’s contributions to addressing climate change during a three-day retreat at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Kaduna from October 6 to 9, 2024.
The retreat, themed “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Our Community,” was organized by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division in collaboration with the NCS as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
In his presentation, Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the critical role the NCS can play as a signatory to various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, supporting renewable energy initiatives, promoting sustainable trade practices, and combating wildlife trafficking as essential strategies to address the global climate crisis.
Shuaibu’s address highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy, and society, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased occurrences of extreme weather events. The retreat provided a platform for discussing innovative approaches to climate adaptation and mitigation, such as sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly policies.
The presentation also outlined challenges in mitigating climate change effects in Nigeria, which include:
- Lack of effective climate change policies and legislation
- Inadequate institutional frameworks and coordination
- Dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports
- High levels of poverty
- Deforestation and land degradation
- Limited public awareness and education on climate change
The retreat concluded with participants and organizers joining forces to plant trees, reinforcing their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. This initiative showcases the shared commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division to environmental stewardship and community engagement, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat the pressing challenges of climate change.