Customs FOU ‘Unit B’ Leads Discussions On Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation In Communities

Customs FOU ‘Unit B’ Leads Discussions On Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation In Communities

By Prince Benson Davies

Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B Kaduna has made a strong case for the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts in communities across the country.

He stated this during a three-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna with the theme: Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Communities, jointly organized by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division in collaboration with the NCS, Federal Operations Unit ‘B’ Kaduna, from October 6-9, 2024, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
In his paper presentation, Comptroller Shuaibu highlighted the critical role the NCS, as a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), could play in addressing climate change, with special focus on adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts in communities.

 He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support for renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking as means of combating the prevailing global climate crisis.
Shuaibu’s address underscored the NCS’ 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, flooding 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 include, 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 levels of poverty, deforestation and land degradation, and limited public awareness and education on climate change, among others.
The three-day retreat, which ended on October 9, 2024, with organizers and all participants joining hands to plant trees, underscored their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The Federal Operations ‘Unit B’ Kaduna of NCS and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement through the initiative that marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges of climate change.