Nigeria is advancing nature-based solutions to address climate change, with a special focus on mangrove conservation. The country’s mangrove forest is the largest in Africa and third in the world, covering 5% of global mangrove coverage. This ecosystem offers exceptional carbon sequestration and coastal resilience, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global climate financing through carbon markets.
The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) is driving efforts to protect mangroves, launching initiatives like the Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative (MBI) from COP27. Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, NCCCS Director General, believes that leveraging this initiative is crucial for achieving climate goals, with a focus on community engagement and public education.
A recent media interaction in Abuja underscored the importance of collaboration between NCCCS and the media to raise climate change awareness. With Nigeria being highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including flooding and desertification, the media plays a critical role in climate literacy.
The NCCCS’s action plan includes youth summits, tree planting initiatives, and climate security summits. Despite challenges like insufficient funding, the NCCCS remains committed to advancing nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change.
