Climate Change, Governance and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and developmental challenges facing Nigeria. Rising temperatures, increased frequency of extreme weather events, flooding, desertification, and coastal erosion are already affecting livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure, and public health. As Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, Nigeria is particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks due to its heavy reliance on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and natural resources. Recent climate events highlight the severity of the crisis. In 2022, severe flooding affected over 4.4 million people across Nigeria, displaced about 2.4 million individuals, and caused economic losses estimated at over $6.8 billion (World Bank, 2023). The floods also destroyed more than 440,000 hectares of farmland, worsening food insecurity (National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA], 2023). Despite Nigeria’s commitments under international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, the country continues to face governance and institutional challenges in implementing effective climate policies. Weak coordination among government agencies, limited climate financing, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient integration of climate considerations into development planning have hindered progress. To strengthen climate governance and resilience, the National Assembly and the Federal Government may consider the implementation of comprehensive policy reforms. The National Assembly may wish to: • Mandate the development of a comprehensive national climate adaptation strategy integrated into development planning. • Strengthen oversight on activities of National Climate Change Council to coordinate climate governance across government institutions. • Strengthen budgetary allocations to investments in irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable farming techniques can improve agricultural resilience. • Urge the Executive to consider mobilising domestic and international funding to support climate adaptation and mitigation projects. • Mandate stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to combat deforestation and pollution. • Support and accelerate the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. • Convene a joint hearing where relevant MDAs and other stakeholders will be brought together to review and share opinions on climate resilience initiatives.