NCCC Partners Support Coastal Communities on Climate Change

NCCC Partners Support Coastal Communities on Climate Change

The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), today launched the “Integrated Management of mangrove ecosystems and expansion of social protection for fisheries and forest dependents in the coastal communities of Cross Rivers State, Nigeria” project.

The event was held at the Fraiser Suites, Central Business District, Abuja.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change ( NCCC) Dr. Salisu Dahiru, commended the strong partnership between the organisations and expressed his gratitude to the UK Government for its financial and technical support. He emphasised the importance of the project in supporting Nigeria’s implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aimed to achieve a low-emission and climate-resilient world.

Nigeria’s updated NDC, submitted in 2021, features ambitious targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction and incorporates various aspects like Nature-based Solutions, Just Transition Plans, and Gender Mainstreaming.

Dr. Dahiru highlighted the project’s alignment with the updated NDC and its contribution to climate adaptation, community well-being, and institutional strengthening.

He further emphasised the critical role of Nature-based Solutions in achieving Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy and its net-zero goals by 2060.

Dr. Dahiru stressed the need for increased climate finance to fulfil developed countries’ financial commitments to developing countries.

The Director General called for deepened collaboration and investment to achieve Nigeria’s climate goals as he expressed his gratitude to the event organisers and the UK PACT for their continued support in combating climate change in Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, the FAO representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Mr. Koffy Kouacou Dominique, stated that the mangrove ecosystem in the coastal areas of Cross River State is not only a vital natural resource but also a critical component of the livelihoods of the local communities.

“ The delicate balance between conservation and sustainable use of this ecosystem is a pressing concern, especially given the increasing threats from deforestation, firewood, and timber collection, as well as the misuse of pesticides and other agro-chemicals that led to pollution and invasive species such as nypa palm that threaten mangrove ecosystems”. Mr. Koffy added.

He further explained that those challenges are further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, the communities’ reliance on the fisheries and forest resources underscores the need for holistic and integrated mangrove management approaches to ensure the well-being of both the environment and the local population.
Also in her goodwill message, the UK PACT representative, climate change and nature team leader, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Martine Sobey, disclosed that the project will focus on both protecting the vital role mangroves play in the environment and providing social protection for forest-dependent communities in Cross Rivers State.
“This project aligns with the UK’s priorities on nature, and we support Nigeria’s commitment to reducing deforestation,” she added.

In his submission, the director of climate change at the federal ministry of environment, Dr. Imobong Abiola Awe, represented by Mr. Jonah D. Dande, said the Nigeria-UK PACT programme is not merely a collaboration; it’s a commitment to accelerating climate transitions and achieving the Nationally Determined Contribution of the Nigerian Government.

In attendance were the Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Representative of Chairmen of the five local government councils as well as other key stakeholders in climate change action.

Ahmed Lawan Dambazau,
Head of Press and Public Relations Unit