By Faridat Salifu
The 19 northern states have expressed grief over the grave impact of climate change on the region’s economy.
Leaders and stakeholders across the 19 states converged on Kaduna recently to hold a Regional Conference Climate-Induced Conflicts to take bold steps at addressing the effects of the ecological phenomenon on the region.
Governor Sani of Kaduna State, while addressing the conference, described climate change as more than an environmental issue, as underscored its potential to destabilize economies, exacerbate social inequalities, and fuel conflicts.
He cited the recent flooding, desert encroachment, and river depletion in Nigeria as vivid reminders of the climate crisis affecting millions across the region.
The governor spoke: “Northern Nigeria’s economy, deeply rooted in agriculture and livestock, faces mounting threats from climate change,” Sani remarked as rivers and lakes shrink and water scarcity escalates, undermining livelihoods, deepening poverty, and increasing the risk of exploitation, especially among young people.”
The conference focused on building a united front to address the interlink between environmental challenges and rising security threats in the region.
Participants discussed the urgent need for joint efforts to curb deforestation, manage water resources, and adapt agricultural practices to the changing climate.
Governor Sani’s call to action highlights the importance of collaboration among Northern states to protect the region’s security, stability, and economic well-being in the face of a changing climate.
The conference assembled leaders and stakeholders from 19 northern states, including religious leaders like the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh, as well as representatives from various governmental and environmental agencies