.as Comptroller Shuaibu emphasises importance of collaborative effort
ZAINAB JUNAID
As part of it’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative for host community, the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B, Kaduna organized a 3-day retreat in collaboration with the Red Cross Kaduna North Division to brainstorm on how to enhance carbon sinks(Ocean, soil, forest are examples of carbon sinks which helps absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere).
The retreat with a theme “youth involvement in tackling climate change in our community” was held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, from 6 to 9 October 2024.
In a statement signed by the Unit’s spokesman, Isah Sulaiman on Friday, the Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone B, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu presented a pivotal paper on the role of Nigeria Customs Service in mitigating the salient issue of climate change in Nigeria on Tuesday 8 October 2024, emphasising the importance of enhancing mutual collaboration among Stakeholders to support renewable energy initiatives.
According to the statement, Comptroller Shuaibu’s presentation highlighted the critical role the Service being a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), can play in addressing climate change.
It emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to support renewable energy initiatives, promote sustainable trade practices and combat wildlife trafficking as a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.
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 joint force to plant trees, underscoring their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
“The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B Kaduna, and the Red Cross Kaduna North Division demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change,” the statement read.
