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Climate change has resulted in considerable environmental challenges in Nigeria, impacting every region and socio-economic group. Nigeria has a youthful population with more than 70% of the population below 30 years of age.

The Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had earlier stated that the youth population account for about 51% of the total population with the age bracket 15 to 34 years old. Despite the growing onset of climate emergency, it has been reported that climate change literacy and awareness remain poor among the Nigerian youth.

In Nigeria, the catastrophic flooding in 2022 displaced more than 1.4 million individuals, resulted in over 603 fatalities, left approximately 2,400 people injured, and caused damage to around 82,035 homes. Additionally, the heatwaves of 2024, which affected all geopolitical zones serves as a stark illustration of these effects, placing immense pressure on commercial agriculture and jeopardising food security among other immediate challenges.

As reported by statista.com, in 2020, over 60% of Nigerians were unaware of climate change. Given that more than 70% of Nigeria’s population consists of young people, it is imperative to effectively harness the potential of this youthful demographic bulge in the battle against climate change. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the Nigerian populace remains indifferent to discussions surrounding climate change.

This indifference highlights the relatively small number of youths actively engaged in climate advocacy compared to those who lack awareness. Consequently, it is evident that the struggle against climate change in Nigeria is far from being resolved, as most of the workforce lacks essential knowledge regarding this critical issue.

Nonetheless, while significant work remains, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of various organisations that are diligently collaborating with both local and international partners to educate young people about climate change. These organisations emphasise the importance of empowering youth with strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation.

As the generation that has grown up with technology, if properly educated on climate change issues, these young individuals can play a crucial role in assisting the country in executing the numerous policies and action plans aimed at addressing the effects of climate change in Nigeria.

On August 28, 2024, GreenHub Africa, in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Federal Ministry of Environment, conducted a “Youth Environment and Climate Change Leadership Training” for more than 300 young individuals in Nigeria. This training served as an introduction to a comprehensive course developed by the collaborating organisations, aimed at educating Nigerian youth about climate change and its fundamental aspects. The curriculum will encompass five key modules: Climate Change Negotiation and Policy Analysis, Climate Change and Health, Climate Finance and Grant Writing, Green Entrepreneurship, and Just Transition & Energy Access.

It is essential for governments at all levels to support the commendable initiative offered by these organisations, aimed at educating the youth about climate change. This objective can be realised if the state Ministries of Environment throughout the federation work in partnership with the organisers to facilitate easy access to these educational programmes for the youth in their respective states.

Additionally, organising one or two days dedicated to sensitisation and awareness-raising activities for the youth in their states would further enhance this effort and making the youth participant ambassadors in their respective domains will go a long way in entrenching sustainability.

I urge the partners who have diligently created these materials to leverage all available platforms, particularly, social media channels such as TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube, to effectively reach the intended audience, specifically the youth. Additionally, it is essential to collaborate with major telecommunications companies in the country to ensure that targeted flash messages are disseminated to all subscribers whenever they recharge their phones or check their account balances, informing them about how to access training modules at no cost.

Utilising unskippable advertisements on YouTube videos and Facebook reels will further capture the attention of young individuals, encouraging them to enroll in courses that equip them with the necessary knowledge to combat climate change.

The Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), in close collaboration with the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), aligns with the initiatives put together by the WRI and Green Hub, Both CCCD and SPP recognise the importance of the youth population in addressing climate change. The organisations believed that the future is in the hands of the youth, and if we do not safeguard the present, there will be no future to speak of.

The CCCD and SPP are poised to commence empowering youth with climate education and building their capacity to participate in decision making process for the development of effective climate solutions and ensuring sustainable development without leaving anyone behind.

Therefore, to achieve this, immediate action is imperative, and collective efforts must be made to educate the youth on the critical issue of climate change. The platform for accessing these courses is set to be launched on September 26, 2024, and will be available for three months.

Anieze is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Climate Change and Development (CCCD), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State

The Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), a non-governmental organisation based in Abuja, has expressed deep sadness over the flood disaster that recently struck in Maiduguri, Borno State, in Nigeria.

The tragic event, said to have been triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam, resulted in numerous casualties, loss of lives and widespread destruction of livelihoods with over 30 deaths and at least 414,000 people displaced, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

“NEMA also estimates that over one million people have been affected by flooding across the country with many communities at risk. While the immediate cause of the disaster is the dam’s failure, the underlying cause is climate change, which, through increased rainfall, exerted pressure on the dam which eventually overflowed,” SPP said on Monday, September 16, 2024, in a statement endorsed by Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, its Communications Officer.

The group added: “At this point, it is crucial that we deal with the root cause of the flood given the many obvious risks and impacts of climate change. It has become very clear that we cannot continue to play the ostrich. This unfortunate incident is once more a rude awakening to the dangers ahead, most especially highlighting the vulnerabilities of the subnational regions which bear the brunt of these climate impacts.”

SPP expressed concern over the “sad occurrence” and advocated that urgent action be taken by governments at all levels, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to provide relief to the people of Borno State.

As the world prepares for the forthcoming COP29 in two months’ time, generally regarded as the “Finance COP,” and as Nigeria prepares to submit her NDC 3.0, SPP is advocating for:

Easier access to international finance; speedy implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund; and improved funding of the Adaptation Fund to meet current needs. It is equally important that these resources when available are used efficiently and transparently, with the subnational also able to access these funds to help them enhance their disaster preparedness, adaptation efforts and mitigation measures.
Governments, particularly at the sub-national level, must urgently implement climate vulnerability risk assessments, and develop early warning systems. They should also prioritise developing climate change policies aligned with these assessments in order to mitigate future risks.
Efforts should be made to improve climate change awareness among the people. Informed communities are better equipped to adapt and embark on meaningful community-led actions against climate change.

SPP said it commiserates with the government and people of Borno State during this difficult time, adding: “We stand in solidarity with you as you begin the recovery process.”

Lagos State emerged the top ranked state in Nigeria with 182 points at the just concluded first-ever climate governance performance ranking of Nigeria’s subnational. This was revealed during the launch of the report which was championed by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) in close  collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, in Abuja on July 25, 2024.

The announcement of the Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking (CGPRR) of Nigeria’s 36 States 2024 result was jointly made by the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of State for the Environment, Dr Iziak Salako, and the President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, at the official launch event.

Lagos State was the only state rated as “outstanding” among the 36 states of Nigeria, reflecting their feat in exceptional performance in the five criteria used for the ranking, namely Climate Institutions and Governance, Climate Policy and Action Plan, Climate Implementation of Project and Online Visibility.

Lagos was one point short of Gombe State in the overall score and ranking for institutional arrangement and administrative structure among the 36 states. It shared the top position with five other states in the total score and ranking for having in place climate change policy and action plans which set emission reduction targets that contribute to the national efforts reflecting key commitments of the state to global climate ambition.

Lagos State emerged the top in the thematic rating for climate change projects’ implementation and having in place a system for effective monitoring, evaluation and reporting (MER) of climate impact and/or actions ahead of other states. Lagos also went ahead to share the top spot with eight other states on online visibility regarding climate change activities, having functional websites (or links on the state official website) for the Ministry of Environment/Climate Change and with several pages showing dynamic web activities.

In terms of budgetary allocation for climate action, Lagos shared second position with 19 other states behind Gombe among the states that considered climate change in their respective 2024 annual budgets with proper tagging of climate change projects.

There is no doubt that Lagos State plays a pivotal role in the Nigerian economy as the nations’ commercial hub with record of almost 30% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this status, Lagos has continued to grapple with serious climate change-related challenges. Over the years, the state has recognised that climate action is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic imperative pushing the state government for greater climate action.

Dubbed the Centre of Excellence, Lagos demonstrates inspiring climate action which prioritises zero-carbon development goals in several sectors including transport, agriculture, energy, and waste management. In its continued drive for greater ambition, the state has engaged with international organisations and frameworks, such as the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, which supports cities in developing and implementing climate strategies, all of which may have contributed to the states outstanding performance.

In his signed statement via X (formerly twitter), the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, wrote: “I am delighted to announce that Lagos State came 1st amongst the 36 States and FCT in Climate Governance Performance ranking conducted by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Society for Planet & Prosperity.

“This great feat is as a result of the Lagos State government’s deliberate commitment and unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and its proactive approach to addressing climate change challenges.”

While acknowledging the Lagos State Governor in his post, the Commissioner wrote: “Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government has prioritised climate action as a cornerstone of its development agenda. Through strategic planning, robust policies, and innovative initiatives, we have made significant strides in mitigating the impacts of climate change while fostering a sustainable future for our residents.

“This prestigious recognition is a validation of our relentless efforts to create a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Lagos,” he concluded.

The report, which recognises and recommends that there are still loads of work to be done across all the 36 states, acknowledges that Lagos has taken a quantum leap ahead of others in effective climate governance and action.

The complete report is available via the link: https://sppnigeria.org/subnational-climate-governance-performance-ranking-report/

Introduction

Nigeria is currently at a pivotal moment where the need for economic growth is pressing, but so is the urgency to tackle environmental challenges. The Dangote Refinery, a massive oil refining project, has sparked a heated debate that encapsulates these complex tensions. This analysis delves into the heart of the matter, examining the perspectives of key stakeholders and exploring potential pathways forward.

The Contentious Landscape: Economic Benefits vs. Environmental Sustainability

Stark contrasts in priorities mark the discourse surrounding the Dangote Refinery. David Hundeyin, as evidenced by a recent publication (https://x.com/DavidHundeyin/status/1822059280973091320?t=JqK2LYeTiGYWhUvggNaD2A&s=08), champions the project’s economic benefits, highlighting job creation, reduced reliance on imports, and national sovereignty. Conversely, Chukwumerije Okereke, in an article titled “David Hundeyin and Dialogue Earth: Addressing Misinformation about Climate Change Diplomacy”(https://www.environewsnigeria.com/david-hundeyi-and-dialogue-earth-addressing-misinformation-about-climate-change-diplomacy/), advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritises environmental sustainability and diversifying Nigeria’s energy sources.

Hundeyin views Western-backed environmental concerns as a veiled attempt to perpetuate Africa’s dependence on raw materials. His stance underscores the economic imperative, often at the expense of ecological considerations. In contrast, Okereke acknowledges the refinery’s economic potential but emphasises the critical need to mitigate its environmental impact and transition towards a low-carbon future. He advocates for a balanced approach that includes investments in renewable energy and international cooperation.

Balancing Act: Nigeria’s Refinery Dilemma

The contrasting viewpoints of Hundeyin and Okereke illuminate the complex role of refineries in Nigeria’s development trajectory. Striking a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility is paramount to securing a sustainable energy future.

A comprehensive approach is necessary, encompassing:

• Rigorous Environmental Stewardship: In-depth assessments of existing refineries, including Dangote’s, are crucial to mitigate potential environmental hazards.
• Energy Diversification: Transitioning towards a balanced energy mix that integrates renewable sources is indispensable.
• Robust Regulatory Framework: Enforceable environmental regulations are essential to safeguard the nation’s ecological health.
• Human Capital Investment: Developing a skilled workforce is pivotal for a smooth transition to a sustainable energy landscape.
• Global Collaboration: Partnerships with developed countries can accelerate technological advancement, financial support, and knowledge transfer.
• Equitable Transition: Prioritiing the well-being of oil and gas-dependent communities through policies that foster a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

By adopting these strategies, Nigeria can harness the economic potential of its refineries while safeguarding its environment and ensuring a prosperous future for all its citizens.

The Government as a Catalyst

The Nigerian government has significant influence in shaping the country’s energy path. Its policies, investments, and regulations impact energy production, distribution, and consumption. Here’s how the government can steer Nigeria towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future:

• Sustainable Development Policies: Create an enabling environment for both the oil and gas industry and the renewable energy sector.
• Fiscal Incentives: Offer tax holidays and subsidies to encourage investment in renewable energy projects while ensuring fair competition.
• Research and Development: Support research and development initiatives to advance renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency.
• Infrastructure Development: Modernise the electricity infrastructure to integrate renewable energy. This involves upgrading power lines, substations, and adopting smart grid technologies. Energy storage solutions are also essential. These improvements will enhance reliability and accommodate the variable nature of renewable energy sources.
• Public Awareness: Conduct extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of energy efficiency and the benefits of renewable energy.

The Role of International Finance

International finance plays a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s energy transition. Here are key areas of focus:

• Direct Investment: Funding large-scale renewable energy projects.
• Debt Financing: Providing loans for energy infrastructure development.
• Grants and Aid: Supporting research, capacity building, and policy formulation.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitating the transfer of clean energy technologies.
• Risk Mitigation: Offering financial instruments to reduce investment risks associated with renewables.

Conclusion

The path Nigeria chooses will define its economic prosperity and ecological legacy. A harmonious blend of economic growth and environmental stewardship is essential to establish the nation as a global leader in sustainable development. While the Dangote Refinery represents both opportunities and challenges, its potential to drive innovation and progress underscores the importance of responsible management.

Realising this vision demands resolute or strong political will/leadership, sound governance, and an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future for generations to come. Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment, and the decisions made today will echo through the annals of its history.

By Eugene Itua, Ph.D (Regional Coordinator, West Africa Capitals Coaliton Hub and Nigeria Chair, International Institute of Risk and Safety Management)

The recent write up by the highly respected and admired David Hundeyin is characteristically provocative. He makes some crucial points, which are communicated in the typical David Hundeyin’s style.

His sharing of the commissioned brief he received from Dialogue Earth in the spirit of full openness is commendable, as is his statement that Nigeria’s and Africa’s future should be decided by Nigerians and Africans themselves. Without a doubt, this includes how we decide to use our hydrocarbons.

I have never interacted with Dialogue Earth talk more of receiving funding from them. I do not hold brief for them. However, as a leading African climate policy expert, I believe that much of David’s presentation is simplistic, bordering on sensationalism, and has the potential to lead to a conclusion that does not advance a healthy debate about the economic impact of climate change in Nigeria and how we should best respond to ensure Nigeria’s long-term economic sustainability.

David claims that the objective of Dialogue Earth is to get the Nigerian government to kill the refinery. However, the brief he shared contradicts this conclusion, emphasising that the primary goal of the essay is to increase awareness of the refinery’s paradox within the context of Nigeria’s energy transition plan and its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060. This, in my view, is a very valid question and one that I have raised and discussed in a recent article on the Dangote refinery and Nigeria’s climate commitment.

While I wholeheartedly support the refinery for economic reasons, it is self-evident that its operation, as well as the Petroleum Industrial Act (PIA), pose challenges to Nigeria’s climate ambitions. This tension and how best to resolve it call for a calm national discussion. I’ve previously recommended that the government should establish and adopt clear policies to help harmonise our climate change, economic, and energy security objectives.

These could include carbon trading, carbon tax, carbon sequestration, carbon capture, and carbon storage. Many of these measures are outlined in Nigeria’s Climate Change Act and, if properly implemented, they have the potential to generate billions of dollars for the government while simultaneously promoting economic growth. And by the way, a thorough environmental and social impact study in relation to the refinery, as suggested in the brief David shared, is already required by our existing legislation and essential for social, environmental, and economic reasons.

David also makes several other bogus or, at best, unsubstantiated claims in the article. For example, I see nothing in the brief he shared to conclude that Dialogue Earth does not care about human poverty caused by exporting raw materials and importing refined fuel, that they do not consider the emissions generated from this process bad for the environment, or that their objective is to keep Africa poor. This type of conclusion is reached by assuming that the only alternative to questioning the refinery’s climate change implications is to support the current state of energy poverty and the unpatriotic policy of exchanging crude oil for imported refined products, which is clearly bad for Nigeria’s economy and the environment.

A more nuanced and truthful position is that the majority of Western environmental NGOs opposed to fossil fuel investment in Africa actively support alternative policies that promote renewable energy investment and poverty reduction in Africa. They envision a clean Africa fuelled by renewable energy, which will provide Africa with a global economic advantage.

Where I believe Western environmental NGOs frequently go wrong is that they push Africa too hard on green transition and leaving the oil in the ground while not lobbying or campaigning hard for enough financial support and technology transfer to develop renewable energy capacities in Africa. I’ve mentioned this issue several times in my discussion on the subject.

Several studies have found that countries can increase their economic competitiveness by investing in renewable energy. Each country must consider, select, and pursue a strategy that is sensitive to its energy demands. In this regard, I am certain that strengthening Nigeria’s local refining capacity within the context of a border economic diversification agenda is the right strategy to address climate change, create jobs, and grow our economy.

Climate change is real, and it is projected to cost Nigeria up to $460 billion by 2050. It is one of the most important economic development challenges facing Nigeria and other African countries.

While investing heavily in wind and carbon capture technology, the UK has used its coal power plants more than ever before in recent years to meet high energy demand due to the extremely harsh winter. While China is the world’s largest solar generator, it is also the most polluting. In both cases, countries are attempting to strike a balance between climate change, energy security, and long-term economic competitiveness. Both require risk analysis, scenario planning, and common sense based on observable trends. Nigeria must also think and act strategically, rather than hiding her head in the sand.

The international climate agreement calls for a rapid transition away from oil and gas towards renewable energy. The agreement calls for a tripping renewable energy portfolio by 2030. Despite having an abundance of solar energy, solar currently contributes less than 0.5 percent to our grid.

Nigeria can gain a significant economic advantage by diversifying its economy and embracing the green economy. This does not require cutting all oil and gas production tomorrow.

David is clear he thinks climate change is a religious belief, and it is obvious that this informed his interpretation of the brief he received and the commentary he provided. I vehemently disagree that climate change is not real and is an issue that demands urgent attention.

It should be underlined that the advocacy of various Western NGOs and citizens to encourage a speedy green transition is not limited to Africa but is strong and effective in their home nations. Climate advocacy and action is a major social, political, and economic issue in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other industrialised countries. It is a major topic in election debates and a dividing line between the major political parties.

However, Western environmental NGOs such as Dialogue Earth frequently make the error of promoting the same cause in Africa without a thorough knowledge of the African psyche, history, and economic circumstances. And by doing so, they risk being charged with climate colonialism, a phrase I’ve used and addressed in prior writings.

Respectfully, I believe David should have simply declined the request to research and write the brief on the grounds that climate change policy and economics are not his areas of expertise.

However, by asking a non-expert to write an opinion post on the Dangote refinery and climate change, Dialogue Earth demonstrated a lack of intelligence and prudence, and can thus be accused of being naive, desperate, and foolish. They have brought this ant-infested wood upon themselves, and they must now suffer the inquisition, blame, contempt, and opprobrium that come with it.

However, it will be detrimental to Nigeria if David’s comments make it difficult to have a mature and science-based debate about how Nigeria can best balance its climate change and economic growth goals in order to achieve long-term climate resilience and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving green transition global economy.

By Professor Chukwumerije Okereke

Chukumweije Okereke is a Professor of Global Governance and Public Policy at the University of Bristol’s School of Policy Studies, as well as the Director of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Centre for Climate Change and Development in Ikwo, Nigeria