The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated its commitment to ensuring sustainable environment and dedication to contributing to strategic efforts on climate change mitigation.
Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, stated this at a just-concluded three-day retreat held at the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna.
As contained in a release, on Friday, by Customs Public Relations Officer, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, Isah Sulaiman, the retreat, which was concluded on Wednesday, had the theme “Youth Involvement In Tackling Climate Change In Our Community.”
It was jointly organised by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division, in collaboration with the NCS, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B Kaduna from 6 to 9 October 2024, as part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR).
Comptroller Shuaibu, on Tuesday, presented a pivotal paper on the role of the NCS in mitigating the pressing issue of climate change in Nigeria.
He highlighted the critical role the NCS, being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), can play in addressing climate change.
He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking also as a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.
The three-day retreat drew attention to the devastating impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy and society; as evidenced by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and increased frequency in extreme weather events.
It also provided a platform for discussions on innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, including sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly policies.
The presentation highlighted the challenges in mitigating the effects of climate change in Nigeria. These included but not limited to lack of effective climate change policy and legislation, inadequate institutional framework and coordination.
Other identified challenges were dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports, high level of poverty, deforestation and land degradation, limited public awareness and education on climate change, among others.
The organisers and participants joined forces to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
“The NCS, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna and the Red Cross, Kaduna North Division, demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
“This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change,” it was added in the release.
