Vice President Kashim Shetima says urgent actions are necessary to mitigate harsh realities of climate change as communities face devastation in the country.

Mr Shetima stated this on Wednesday in Gombe during the North East Climate Summit, organised by the North East Development Commission (NEDC).

The theme of the summit is: “Setting the Course for Sustained Climate Action in the North-East”.

Represented by Dr Aliyu Moddibo, special adviser to the president on special duties, Mr Shettima said that lives and livelihoods were being disrupted by the extreme weather conditions, forcing the nation to confront the urgent challenge head-on.

According to Mr Shettima, the summit comes at a critical time signalling a long-overdue awakening to the existential threat posed by climate change.

“The climate crisis, evident in fluctuating water bodies, erratic weather, and widespread environmental instability, spares no region or population.

“Nigeria’s leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to the global fight against climate change, with an emphasis on cooperation and action.

“At the 2021 Dubai Climate Summit, Nigeria pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement an energy transition plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

“The country’s dedication to global environmental goals remains strong, with a clear focus on the urgent need for action,” he said.

The summit, he said, is a crucial step in finding solutions to the escalating impacts of climate change.

Mr Shettima said that it reinforced Nigeria’s role in leading climate action, particularly in regions like the North-East, where environmental degradation and conflict compounded the challenges facing the local population.

According to him, key initiatives such as the Great Green Wall project, are central to Nigeria’s strategy in combating desertification and restoring ecological balance.

On Nigeria’s 2024 flood outlook, Mr Shettima warned that climate change can not be taken lightly.

“Despite careful planning and proactive measures, the looming threat of floods is yet another indicator of the urgent need for comprehensive climate solutions,” he said.

The NEDC managing director, Mohammed Alkali, underscored the need for long-term solution to the climate challenges facing the region.

Mr Alkali noted that while significant progress has been made in rebuilding communities and restoring livelihoods, the escalating impacts of climate change ranging from desertification to biodiversity loss demand swift and decisive action.

“This summit is not just a gathering, it is a platform for innovative solutions and partnerships that will help the North-East become a model for climate resilience,” Mr Alkali said.

He said the summit would provide a platform for academics, experts and stakeholders to develop strategies to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable development.

Also, the chairman of the commission, Maj.-Gen.  Paul Tarfa (Rtd), said the summit was important in making strategies to facilitate effective implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan.

He called for collaboration and innovation to overcome the lingering effects of the insurgency and socio-economic challenges towards building a prosperous future for the region.

“We face profound challenges, but they are surmountable. With the right strategies, this summit will lay the groundwork for a resilient North-East, restored and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” he said.

On his part,  Manassah Jatau, the Gombe state deputy governor, said the state government’s efforts toward addressing the issues of climate change earned it second position after Lagos, in climate governance.

 (NAN)