Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, has called on Nigeria’s new administration under President Bola Tinubu to prioritise climate change.
The professor noted that addressing climate change is essential as it poses one of the greatest economic, physical, financial, and development risks to Nigeria, which is already among the top 10 most vulnerable countries in the world.
Okereke explained that climate change was already costing Nigeria up to $100 billion, equivalent to 20 percent of the country’s GDP, and if not fully addressed, could cost as much as N460 billion by 2050, or between six and 30 percent of Nigeria’s GDP.
The don said the new administration’s focus on job creation, food security, and economic prosperity could be hampered without adequate measures to tackle climate change.
He said climate change posed a significant economic risk and emphasised that Nigeria was already experiencing losses in crop yields and damages caused by flooding and droughts, contributing to the nation’s insecurity and fueling hunger and poverty.
Moreover, climate change also provides Nigeria with an opportunity to unlock billions of international climate finance and create green jobs, transitioning the country to a green economy.
In light of this, Okereke recommended that the new president prioritise climate change and appoint someone knowledgeable and experienced in climate change to navigate and negotiate with the international community.
This person should help unlock streams of climate finance that will enable Nigeria to transition to a green economy and lead in this area.
The professor urges President Tinubu to ensure that climate change is placed at the forefront of his administration and taken as seriously as issues of infrastructure, the economy, and security.
NAN
