Minister: FG working on special interventions for sectors vulnerable to climate change

Sharon Ikeazor, minister of state for environment, says specific interventions will be targeted at agriculture, energy, health, transportation, security, and other sectors vulnerable to climate change impact. 

The minister said this at a town hall broadcast meeting, themed ‘Climate Change and its Impact on Security and Livelihood’, organised by Living Earth, a non-governmental organisation, on Thursday.

Ikeazor, who was represented by Lawrence Adigwe, the ministry’s director of human resources management, also said women and girls who are most vulnerable will be engaged in the planning of climate change interventions.

“Nigeria’s adaptation programme is focused on reducing vulnerabilities of our people and promoting community and ecosystems’ resilience to the impact of climate change, while ensuring that women, girls and other vulnerable groups are engaged and involved in planning and implementing long-term climate change adaptation interventions,” she said.

“Specific interventions will be targeted at agriculture and food security, forestry and biodiversity, water resources, energy and infrastructure, health, human settlement, industry, transportation, communication and security that are considered to be the most vulnerable sectors to climate change in Nigeria, and which directly affect livelihood and security.”

On his part, Rufus Ebegba, director-general of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said sustainable agriculture through science and technology will drive the development of crops that will adapt to climate change.

He explained that biosafety helps ensure that climate-smart crops are safe for humans, animals and the environment.

Clement Nze, director-general of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), said the meeting will help to convey the importance of sustainable environmental practices to the grassroots.

While urging Nigerians to desist from harmful environmental practices like blocking drainages or building on waterways, he also advocated sensitisation for the grassroots.