Challenges, Government Responses, and the Path to a Resilient Future, By OLUGBEMI ABIGAIL GIFT

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Introduction

Climate change is reshaping the global landscape, and Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, is at the forefront of this environmental upheaval. From increasing desertification in the north to flooding along coastal cities in the south, the country is grappling with a spectrum of climate-related challenges that threaten economic growth, food security, and human health. While Nigeria has made strides in policy formation and international cooperation, the true test lies in execution, ensuring that governmental responses reach those who need them most and are implemented through effective, inclusive channels.

This article provides a comprehensive look at the impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s economy, evaluates existing governmental responses, and explores viable pathways forward, especially the transition to renewable energy, public awareness, and global collaboration, as discussed in recent international summits.

Climate Change in Nigeria: A National Crisis

Nigeria faces an array of climate risks that are intensifying with time:

• Desertification is advancing southward in the northern states, affecting farming and contributing to displacement and conflict.

• Erratic rainfall is disrupting agriculture across the middle belt and southern regions, leading to lower crop yields and food insecurity.

• Rising sea levels threaten major urban centers, such as Lagos, exacerbating flooding and damaging infrastructure.

• Heatwaves and water scarcity strain public health systems and reduce economic productivity.

Scientific data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and global climate models confirm these trends, predicting worsening impacts unless urgent action is taken.

Economic Consequences: Sector by Sector

Agriculture

As a sector employing over 60% of Nigeria’s workforce, agriculture is the most climate-sensitive area of the economy. Irregular rainfall, floods, and prolonged dry spells have drastically reduced yields of crops like rice, maize, and millet. Livestock farmers face water shortages and dwindling grazing lands, leading to conflict over resources, especially in the north-central region.

Oil and Gas

Although oil contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP and foreign exchange, the industry is increasingly vulnerable. Coastal erosion and flooding affect oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta. Moreover, global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence pose long-term risks to oil-exporting countries.

Infrastructure

Floods and storms have repeatedly damaged roads, bridges, and housing, particularly in densely populated cities. This not only incurs massive repair costs but also disrupts trade and daily life.

Health

Climate-sensitive diseases like malaria, cholera, and heatstroke are spreading more widely and intensely, particularly during flood and heatwave seasons. Malnutrition is rising due to reduced food production.

Government Responses: What Has Been Done?

Nigeria has made notable progress in policy development and international engagement:

• Climate Change Act (2021)

This legislation established the National Council on Climate Change, which is tasked with coordinating national climate strategies, emissions tracking, and integrating climate concerns into economic planning.

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Under the Paris Agreement, Nigeria has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally by 2030, with a focus on clean energy, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture.

• Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP)

Launched in 2022, this ambitious plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2060 and a 60% renewable energy mix by 2050. It outlines how Nigeria will transition from oil dependency to sustainable energy without compromising development goals.

• Green Bond Programme

Nigeria was the first African country to issue a sovereign green bond. Funds have supported renewable energy, afforestation, and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

• Great Green Wall Initiative

As part of a continental effort, Nigeria is restoring degraded lands in the Sahel through reforestation and climate-smart agriculture to combat desertification and reduce poverty.

Presidential Contributions to Climate Action: Tinubu, Buhari, and Jonathan

Since assuming office in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signaled continuity in Nigeria’s climate agenda with a strong emphasis on implementation. His administration reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Energy Transition Plan, prioritizing renewable energy access for underserved communities. At global forums like COP28, Tinubu advocated for fair climate finance and greater international investment in Africa’s green economy. Domestically, he has expanded the Solar Power Naija initiative, promoted local manufacturing of solar components, and emphasized climate-smart agriculture in national food security plans. His government is also investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and working to operationalize the National Council on Climate Change across all levels of government.

President Muhammadu Buhari laid critical groundwork for Nigeria’s current climate policy. His administration passed the Climate Change Act in 2021, legally establishing the National Council on Climate Change. Buhari was a prominent voice in Africa’s climate diplomacy, advocating for equity and support at global summits. He launched Nigeria’s updated NDCs under the Paris Agreement and unveiled the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) in 2022, setting a clear roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2060. His government also invested in the Green Bond Programme and pushed Nigeria’s involvement in the Great Green Wall Initiative to combat desertification in the Sahel region.

Though climate change was less prioritized globally during his tenure, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan initiated several forward-looking environmental policies. His administration supported the early development of renewable energy frameworks and established the Nigeria Renewable Energy Master Plan. Jonathan also championed Nigeria’s participation in international environmental agreements and invested in environmental restoration projects in the Niger Delta. His tenure saw the initial integration of climate concerns into the national economic agenda and environmental impact assessments.

Gaps and Challenges in Implementation

Despite these policies, real-world implementation has been slow and uneven:

• Funding shortages limit the reach and scale of climate projects.

• Bureaucratic inefficiencies create duplication of roles and stifle action at the state and local levels.

• Weak coordination between federal and sub-national actors leads to fragmentation.

• Public engagement is still lacking, especially in rural areas where climate impacts are felt most acutely.

• Many programs remain top-down, with insufficient input or ownership from affected communities.

Proffering Solutions: Pathways Toward a Resilient Nigeria

1. Transitioning to Renewable Energy

Nigeria’s fossil fuel dependence is unsustainable. Moving toward solar, wind, hydro, and biomass energy will:

• Reduce emissions

• Improve energy access in off-grid areas

• Attract international climate finance and green investment

Programs like Solar Power Naija and mini-grid deployments in rural communities should be scaled up with public-private partnerships and streamlined regulatory approvals.

2. Strengthening Public Awareness

Public understanding of climate change remains low. Solutions include:

• Incorporating climate education into school curricula

• Using local media and influencers to spread climate information

• Engaging traditional rulers, faith-based groups, and community organizations in awareness and action campaigns

A climate-literate population is more likely to support, demand, and participate in green reforms.

3. Governance and Decentralized Action

To improve outcomes:

• Empower states and LGAs (Local Government Areas) with climate action funding and training

• Establish climate units across key ministries

• Create a centralized climate accountability dashboard for transparency

These steps will ensure that policies translate into real, measurable results.

International Engagement: Lessons from the Earthna Summit in Qatar

At the Earthna Summit 2025 in Doha, countries facing extreme heat, arid conditions, and rapid urbanization convened to explore sustainable solutions. The summit’s key themes—innovation, traditional knowledge, public inclusion, and finance—mirror Nigeria’s climate needs.

What Nigeria Can Learn:

• Blending tradition and technology: Like Qatar’s use of ancient water systems with modern design, Nigeria can integrate traditional farming and housing techniques with renewable innovations.

• Accessing climate finance: Earthna emphasized leveraging multilateral funding with transparency. Nigeria must build bankable projects and improve climate finance readiness.

• Building arid cities networks: Nigeria’s cities like Maiduguri and Kano could benefit from collaborations focused on heat-resistant infrastructure and urban water conservation.

• Public participation: The summit showcased how art, storytelling, and youth engagement can drive grassroots action—strategies Nigeria can replicate through national awareness campaigns.

Conclusion: A Call to Accelerate and Deepen Action

Nigeria has laid the foundation for meaningful climate action. Policies, plans, and international partnerships are in place. Yet the country stands at a crossroads, either translate these frameworks into grassroots resilience, or face deepening environmental and economic instability.

The future lies in people-centered implementation, bold transitions to renewable energy, and global collaboration. With visionary leadership and community-driven action, Nigeria can emerge not only as a survivor of climate change but as a model for resilience in Africa and beyond.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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