Nigeria Customs Service Leads Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

Nigeria Customs Service Leads Climate Change Mitigation Efforts

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step in addressing climate change, with Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna presenting a pivotal paper on the subject. This presentation was part of a three-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna from October 6 to 9, 2024, organized in collaboration with the Red Cross Kaduna North Division.

The retreat, themed “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Our Community,” aimed to engage young people in climate action. Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the critical role of the NCS in mitigating climate change, highlighting the agency’s commitment as a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support for renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices, and combating wildlife trafficking.

Shuaibu’s address underscored the NCS’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its contribution to Nigeria’s climate change mitigation strategies. The event drew attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy, and society, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. It also provided a platform for discussing innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, such as sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly policies.

The presentation also highlighted the challenges in mitigating climate change in Nigeria, including the lack of effective climate change policy and legislation, inadequate institutional framework and coordination, dependence on fossil fuels, high levels of poverty, deforestation, and limited public awareness and education on climate change.

The retreat concluded with participants planting trees, symbolizing their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. This initiative by the NCS and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Isah Sulaiman, Customs Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna, commended the collaborative efforts and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.