As the climate change discourse maintains a steady feature on the front burner, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna has joined the global efforts to mitigate the issue by stiring up action among youths against the negative impacts of climate change.
The Customs FOU “B” in Kaduna hosted a three-day retreat on climate change mitigation for youths as part of the unit’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR) programs. Themed, “Youths Involvement in Tackling Change in the Community,” the event was held from 6th to 9th October, 2024 in collaboration with the Red Cross, Kaduna North Division.
During the well-attended event, which was held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, Customs Area Controller of FOU “B”, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu presented a pivotal paper on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in mitigating climate change in Nigeria.
Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the critical role of the NCS being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), in addressing climate change. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as means of combating climate challenge.
“Shuaibu’s address underscored the NCS’ commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to contributing to the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies,” the unit said in a statement by its public relations officer, Isah Sulaiman.
A group photograph of participants at the Nigeria Customs FOU Zone B, Kaduna retreat on climate change
According to the statement, 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,” Sulaiman noted.
The retreat also featured a tree-planting session supervised by Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu.
He further stated that presentations at the retreated highlighted the challenges in mitigating the effect of climate change in Nigeria which includes but not limited to lack of effective climate change policy and legislation and inadequate institutional framework.
Other challenges named by Comptroller Shuaibu were too much dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports, high level of poverty, deforestation and land degradation, limited public awareness and education on climate change.
