Customs demonstrates commitment to lessening climate change impact

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), as a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), has advocated promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna of the NCS stated this while delivering a pivotal paper at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna on Tuesday 8 October 2024 at a 3-day retreat.

Speaking on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in mitigating the pressing issue of climate change at the retreat themed “youth involvement in tackling climate change in our community” jointly organized by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna from 6 to 9 October 2024, as part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR).

Shuaibu emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives and promotion of sustainable trade practices.

Nevertheless, 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.

In a release by Isah Sulaiman, Customs Public Relations Officer FOU Zone B Kaduna, the paper further delved into 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, inadequate institutional framework and coordination, dependence on fossil fuels and oil exports, high level of poverty, deforestation and land degradation, limited public awareness and education on climate change, among others.

The 3-day retreat, which ended on Wednesday 9, October, 2024 saw organisers and participants joined forces to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.