Nigeria’s diverse agricultural practices and commodities are increasingly threatened by climate change. Rising sea levels exacerbate flooding and waterborne diseases, while droughts and rising temperatures hinder agricultural production and fishing. These changes threaten food security and negatively impact health and nutrition across the country.
The energy sector, deforestation, and land-use change are Nigeria’s most significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as reported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Gas flaring from oil flow stations is prevalent, especially in the coastal states of the Niger Delta region. This practice contributes significantly to the nation’s emissions, with oil and gas methane responsible for 37 percent of human-derived methane emissions, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has taken bold steps to regulate emissions from the oil and gas sector. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition, a UNEP-convened initiative, highlighted Nigeria’s progress.
The country aims to reduce methane emissions from flaring by 100 percent by 2030 and fugitive methane from leaks by 95 percent by 2050. These targets are part of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which include an unconditional 20 percent reduction and a conditional 47 percent reduction in GHG emissions with international support.
In 2018, emissions from the oil and gas sector accounted for 33 percent of Nigeria’s energy sector emissions. Addressing these emissions is crucial for Nigeria to meet its climate targets. However, the country has faced significant challenges, particularly in reforestation efforts. At the 27th United Nations Climate Summit (COP27), the Nigerian government committed to engaging youths in planting and nurturing 250,000 trees annually as part of its accelerated climate action strategy.
Nigeria needs to implement the following strategies to Improve Her Climate Priorities
1. Strengthen Regulations: Enforce stricter regulations on gas flaring and methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
2. Promote Renewable Energy: Invest in and promote the use of renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
3. Enhance Reforestation Efforts: Scale up tree planting initiatives and ensure the survival and growth of planted trees.
4. Improve Agricultural Practices: Introduce climate-resilient agricultural practices to protect food security.
5. Increase Public Awareness: Educate the public on the impacts of climate change and the importance of mitigation efforts.
6. Leverage International Support: Seek international funding and technical assistance to support climate action initiatives.
7. Monitor and Report Progress: Establish a robust monitoring and reporting system to track progress towards climate targets.
8. Support Research and Innovation: Invest in research and innovation to develop new technologies and solutions for climate mitigation.
9. Enhance Disaster Preparedness: Improve infrastructure and systems to better respond to climate-related disasters.
10. Foster Youth Engagement: Engage and empower youths in climate action initiatives to build a sustainable future.
Recent global action to combat emissions has seen a surge in commitments and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. The Glasgow Climate Pact, agreed upon at COP26, saw nations committing to more ambitious targets to limit global warming. Key initiatives include pledges to reduce methane emissions, phase out coal-fired power, and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Recall that major economies such as the United States and the European Union have announced ambitious carbon neutrality goals, signaling a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. Investment in green technologies and infrastructure has also been on the rise, with countries and businesses increasingly recognizing the economic and environmental benefits of decarbonization.
However, urgent and concerted efforts are still needed to meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society will be crucial in driving forward the transition to a low-carbon future.
