Customs leads discussion on climate change mitigation

The Nigeria Customs Service has expressed its commitment to environmental sustainability and contributing to the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies.

Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu gave the assurance at the just concluded 3-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna.

The retreat with the theme “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in our Community” was jointly organized by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division in collaboration with the Customs from 6 to 9 October 2024, as part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR), a statement by the Unit’s spokesman, Isah Sulaiman said.

In his paper presentation on the role of the Customs Service in mitigating the pressing issue of climate, Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the critical role the NCS being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), can play in addressing climate change.

He also emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as a also a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.

The event 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 discussing innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, including sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions, and eco-friendly policies, ” the statement said.

Shuaibu’s presentation also highlighted the challenges in mitigating the effect of climate change in Nigeria which according to him includes lack of effective climate change policy and legislation, inadequate institutional framework and coordination.

Others, he said, are 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 3-day retreat, which concluded on October 9, saw organisers and participants joined forces to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, 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, ” the statement said.