Abuja: The Federal Government has validated the country’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Document to tackle climate-related challenges in the country. Malam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, highlighted this development at the High-Level Validation Workshop on Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Document held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NAP document was validated before its submission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) ahead of COP 30 in Belem, Brazil. Lawal, represented by Mr. Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, expressed concern over the impacts of climate change, including changing weather patterns such as drought and desertification, rising sea levels, and flooding.
Lawal emphasized that climate change is the defining issue of our time and highlighted Nigeria’s vulnerability to its impacts. These challenges pose threats to food security, human health, and settlements, leading to increased loss of lives and property. He stressed the necessity of taking drastic and decisive actions to cope with these impacts in the future.
Addressing climate change is a key agenda of the current administration, according to Lawal. With the NAP Document validated, the next phase involves implementation, requiring collective efforts to attract necessary funding locally and internationally to address climate change impacts, particularly adaptation.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director of Climate Change Department in the ministry, noted that climate change impacts are increasing globally, affecting Nigeria as well. Extreme weather events and climate variability are impacting various sectors and causing security challenges. She emphasized the importance of adaptation to adjust systems and operations without disrupting daily activities.
Mr. Gift Gewona, the Task Manager of the United Nations Environment Programme in Nigeria, remarked that the NAP document is a living document enabling Nigeria to plan for short-term, medium-term, and long-term activities to enhance community resilience. He expressed gratitude to the team involved and highlighted the importance of implementing the plan to finance the global climate fund.
Mrs. Angelina Ugben, President of the Global Disabilities Green Initiative, urged stakeholders to ensure the NAP document extends beyond inclusion. She advocated for a climate adaptation framework that is inclusive, accessible, and disability responsive, commending the Ministry of Environment and collaborative bodies for their inclusive approach in developing the plan.