Tinubu Calls For Urgent Action, Resource Mobilisation To Combat Climate Change

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of climate change to Nigeria, urging immediate action and resource mobilization to mitigate its devastating impacts.

Speaking at the Climate Security Summit in Abuja, the President, represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, emphasized the urgency of tackling the crisis.

“The climate crisis is no longer a looming threat, but a present and undeniable danger inflicting devastation upon our nation,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the surge in sea levels, drought, and extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves.

He cited these as contributing factors to insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement of vulnerable populations.

The President underscored Nigeria’s commitment to tackling climate change, citing the nation’s Paris Agreement pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030. However, he stressed the need for accelerated action and emphasized the crucial role of resource mobilization.

“With urgency, we must act now to address this very crisis,” Tinubu asserted, recognizing the existential threat posed by climate change.

Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, echoed the call for action.

She highlighted the existence of a climate change fund mandated by law, designed to strengthen resilience and protect Nigerians from the impacts of climate change.

However, she lamented its non-operationalization, stating that the summit aimed to bring stakeholders together to devise strategies for its implementation.

Maduekwe emphasized the significance of the meeting in shaping Nigeria’s strategy for the upcoming COP 29.

She expressed confidence in achieving positive outcomes, citing the presence of trained negotiators who will represent Nigeria at the global climate summit.

The summit signifies a critical step in Nigeria’s fight against climate change, bringing together government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders to forge a united front against this pressing global challenge.

With President Tinubu’s call for immediate action and resource mobilization, the nation is poised to actively contribute to global efforts for a sustainable future.