By Faridat Salifu
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s environment sector have intensified their call for an augmented budget allocation to combat the escalating impacts of climate change.
The stakeholders gathered in Abuja last Thursday to scrutinize Nigeria’s 2024 Climate Budget and Energy Transition Plan. They emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate climate change effects.
During the forum, Sen. Abubaka Bagudu, representing the Minister of Budget and National Planning, reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing climate issues in alignment with sustainable goals for climate mitigation by 2030.
Speaking, Dr. Michael David, Executive Director, Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), expressed dissatisfaction with the meager allocation for climate change, highlighting that only 5.02 percent of the 2024 budget is earmarked for combating its impacts.
Prof. Shuaib Hassan, Director of the Centre for Environmental Studies at the University of Abuja, also stressed the necessity for Nigeria to transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change effectively.
He noted the need for government to prioritize budget allocation for climate change initiatives, waste management, and research, emphasizing the shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
Furthermore, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the adverse impact of climate change on food security He also urged stakeholders to prioritize adaptation and mitigation efforts.
For his part, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), underscored the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and partnership in combating climate change, emphasizing its transformation into an economic and social issue.
Mrs. Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP), emphasized the need for decisive action and implementation of decisions to enhance climate resilience.
Mr. Kenneth Akpan, representing OXFAM, expressed optimism that increased budget allocation for climate change would facilitate inclusive engagement of all stakeholders.