Nigeria is boosting livelihoods through climate change adaptation by implementing strategies in agriculture, water management and disaster risk reduction.
The Minister of Regional Development (MRD), Mr Abubakar Momoh, said this on Wednesday during the Nigeria Day celebration on the sidelines of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) in Belem, Brazil.
The Ministry was created in 2024 to formulate and execute plans for fast-tracking regional development across Nigeria.
Momoh said key efforts include promoting climate-smart agriculture like drought-resistant crops and early warning systems, developing flood control and shoreline protection, and using community-led projects to diversify livelihoods beyond agriculture.
These initiatives, he said, are aimed at increasing resilience, improve food security, and secure sustainable livelihoods, particularly for vulnerable populations.
According to him, the plan covers the six regions and the Niger Delta region in Nigeria which will be implemented by the six Regional Development Commissions (RDC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“The regions are not immune to climate change. Challenges include drought and desertification, erosion menace, flooding, ocean surge, water pollution, and declining health among others.
“Existing practices like gas flaring, oil spills, and unsustainable energy practices have compounded ecological fragility.
“The plan is aligned with Nigeria’s economy- wide NDC types, that includes- Agriculture Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU), Power; Oil and Gas, transport, industry, waste, water, health, education, and circular economy strategies among others.
He said the ministry had determined to guide the regional development commissions and other stakeholders on implementing collective measures to address climate change causal factors and impacts through adaptation, mitigation, and other measures.
