Nigeria Customs Service Leads the Charge in Addressing Climate Change
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna recently presented a crucial paper on the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in mitigating climate change in Nigeria. This presentation took place at a 3-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Kaduna, from October 6 to 9, 2024. The retreat, themed “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Our Community,” was a collaborative effort between the Red Cross Kaduna North Division and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Comptroller Shuaibu’s presentation at the 3-day retreat in Kaduna showcased the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) vital role in combating climate change. As a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), the NCS prioritised the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, supporting renewable energy initiatives, promoting sustainable trade practices, and combating wildlife trafficking to address the global climate challenge.
Comptroller Shuaibu’s address emphasized the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation. Climate change is having a profound impact on Nigeria, affecting its ecosystem, economy, and society in devastating ways. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased extreme weather events are just a few of the consequences. To combat this, Nigeria is exploring innovative approaches to adaptation and mitigation such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and eco-friendly policies.
The presentation highlighted the significant challenges Nigeria faces in mitigating the impacts of climate change which includes Inadequate climate change policy and legislation, Weak institutional framework and coordination, Dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports, Widespread poverty, Deforestation and land degradation, Limited public awareness and education on climate change, Inadequate funding and resources, Insufficient infrastructure for climate resilience etc.
The 3-day retreat, which concluded on October 9, 2024 with organisers and participants joined forces to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division have reaffirmed their dedication to environmental sustainability and community development. Their collaborative effort underscores Nigeria’s resolve to tackle climate change.
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