LAGOS/Nigeria: In the wake of recent flooding incidents in Nigeria, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, Director of the Center for Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ebonyi State, has issued a fervent call for the Nigerian government to prioritize climate change mitigation as a central element of its economic growth strategy.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Lagos, Okereke underscored the critical importance of addressing climate change to ensure sustainable economic progress in the country. He emphasized that the government’s ability to achieve lasting economic growth hinged on its commitment to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
Quoting Okereke’s manifesto, he stated, “If the government stands the chance of succeeding in delivering economic growth in the country… it is important for the government to then pay attention to climate change because the impact of climate change and negative economic impact of climate change would likely derail the ability for sustained economic growth in the country.”
Okereke highlighted the alarming consequences of recent flooding incidents in Nigeria, including in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, which have resulted in significant human and property losses. He called attention to the far-reaching effects of climate change-induced weather patterns, asserting that climate change was not merely an environmental issue but a matter with substantial economic repercussions.
Recalling the devastating flooding event of 2012 that cost Nigeria trillions of Naira in damages, Okereke warned that more recent flooding events had also claimed lives and inflicted substantial property damage, amounting to trillions. He cited meteorological agency warnings of impending floods in the current year and noted the possible correlation between increased rainfall and climate change.
In light of these concerns, Okereke called on the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) to acknowledge the gravity of climate change’s implications for both their states’ residents and economic growth. He urged the NGF to adopt measures to enhance their states’ resilience to climate change, emphasizing the need for comprehensive climate change policies and action plans.
“It is high time that they begin to do so under a range of different measures that the national and state government can put in place—simple drainage systems, better city management, and the clearing of drainage systems, etc.,” Okereke advised.
In conclusion, Okereke reiterated the urgency of placing climate change at the forefront of the government’s economic growth agenda. He stressed the importance of active engagement with the international community to secure climate finance for implementing crucial climate change measures in Nigeria.
