Customs, Red Cross Demonstrate Shared Commitment On Climate Change

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.

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna presented a pivotal paper on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in mitigating the pressing issue of climate change in Nigeria on Tuesday 8 October 2024 at a 3-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna .

The retreat with a theme “youth involvement in tackling climate change in our community” was 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).

Comptroller Shuaibu’s presentation highlighted the critical role the NCS being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), can play in addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as a also a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.

According to a statement by Isah Sulaiman,
Customs Public Relations Officer , Federal Operations Unit , Zone B Kaduna , over the weekend, Shuaibu’s address underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to contributing to the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies.

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.

The presentation 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, 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 concluded on October 9, 2024 with organisers and participants joined forces to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.