Environment stakeholders from the nine states of the Niger Delta have convened to address climate change and it’s effects on the region.
The meeting convened by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Calabar on Tuesday identified ways of restoring, conserving, and protecting the nation’s mangrove ecosystems.
They highlighted the significance of mangroves as sources of construction materials, energy, industrial resources, and vital ecosystem services, noting that in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta, mangroves occupy an area of 10,500 km², making it the largest in Africa and the third largest globally.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change and DG/CEO of NCCCS, highlighted the absence of a dedicated national strategy for mangrove conservation despite existing forest policies, components of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and developments in a National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
She stated, “The Town Hall Meeting is vital for stakeholders to discuss the next steps for sustainable mangrove conservation and protection in Nigeria. A key outcome of this meeting is the National Roadmap on Mangrove Restoration, Conservation, and Protection, which is expected to align with the ongoing review of NDC 3.0 and create clear paths for securing funding for mangrove efforts in Nigeria.”
Dr. Maduekwe emphasized the important role of sub-national governments in executing policies and facilitating effective actions. She acknowledged the critical involvement of attending commissioners, asserting that political will at the sub-national level is essential for success and that this forum provides a unique chance to coordinate efforts and galvanize support.
In his address at the occasion, Cross River State Governor Senator Bassey Otu, expressed the government’s commitment to mangrove restoration in the state.
The governor represented by Hon. Oden Ewa, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs noted that for decades, Cross River State has led in environmental conservation, with over 53,000 hectares of degraded mangroves primed for restoration.
“We are actively engaging investors and development partners to capitalize on carbon emission opportunities. A significant milestone was reached at COP28 with the national department of climate change.”
Otu remarked on the critical need for a framework to unlock Nigeria’s carbon economy potential, stressing the strategic position of the country in the global carbon market.
“We urge the revitalization of the carbon market framework to ensure stability and restore confidence in the sector.”
He concluded with optimism, stating that through enhanced cooperation and a shared vision, Nigerians could become leaders in the African carbon market. “While the carbon economy is within reach, we must act swiftly and collectively to establish effective policies,” he asserted.
In a collective statement, commissioners for environment from the five Niger Delta states (Abia, Bayelsa , Cross River, Delta and Rivers) unanimously requested the Federal Government to consider the implementation of national carbon framework within three months and authorise the development of the National Carbon Registry within the six months, leveraging on the regions and international partners expertise.
