President Muhammadu Buhari’s COP26 commitment to net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 has stirred up various responses and reactions. Largely, pro-status-quo opinions ridiculed the commitment, and others thought it was outrightly misguided, emphasising the overall perception that “Nigeria – and Africa by extension – deserves all the freedom to contribute to global emissions first before committing to reducing it” In other words, use fossil fuels to industrialise like the perceived to be “developed world.” This piece will not only highlight why this belief is fundamentally flawed but also present the arguments that suggest PMB’s commitment could be the best thing to happen to Nigeria in recent times. 

The feeling that Nigeria’s commitment to NZE is ill-advised stems from the assessment of the current socio-economic challenges the country is facing. In short, it is a poverty argument – Nigeria is too poor to begin the process of transitioning since it has not set up a paradigm for transition. Further arguments present the feeling that if Nigeria commits to the energy transition, it may lose out on international financing facilities that it needs to industrialise along the fossil fuel lines. More people believe that Nigeria does not have the luxury to prioritise climate-friendly development in its current circumstances.  Other arguments continue to iterate that Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil makes it economically vulnerable if it should embark on energy transition processes. A more interesting one is Nigeria lacks the technical ability to industrialise along with the global plans to curb the effects of climate change. 

Nigeria first discovered Crude Oil in 1956 in Bayelsa State. Before independence, Nigeria was economically driven by non-oil revenues and continued to develop crude oil exploration activities with its pre-oil economy. Since the exports of crude oil began, Nigeria faced a turbulent economic growth that has been described as a curse to the Nation. Nigeria had gotten intoxicated by the dark elixir and neglected key sectors of its economy that had been hitherto largely promising. Nigeria is known globally for repugnant insecurity and notorious poverty. These identities have been cultivated in tandem with the oil national reliance. The evidence is too obvious and overwhelming to cite. With its return to promising democracy in 1999, Nigeria had not been able to effectively industrialise. The dependence on crude oil evolved Nigeria into a “beast consumer” that can neither feed itself nor refine the very crude it depends on. Even when Nigeria was earning its highest possible income from crude oil, it failed to deliver its most elementary of infrastructural needs. 

According to OPEC World Oil Outlook 2021, crude oil demands are likely to plummet over the next two decades. As the world continues to transition to cleaner energies with exponential growth in innovative technologies, the demand for crude will continue to diminish. With Europe and India gradually looking elsewhere, Nigeria’s stable revenue source will keep aging to its death regardless of local influence. Unless Nigeria finds alternative markets for its crude in Africa, it must begin to imagine an economy away from oil. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has set in a new era in global economics and international business. The crude oil markets reemphasized their dependency on human activities and global environmental change. This became a revelation to economies that were hitherto unprepared to re-evaluate their economic dependencies. The relief felt by the world with the recent relative stabilisation of the oil market has been misrepresented by many parties as a return to normalcy. The reality is the pandemic has only been a prelude to more serious global challenges that should shake countries like Nigeria and other emerging economies into serious re-strategizing and planning. The fact is the next global pressure may be more serious in its effect than the pandemic which is mostly survived by victims. In the words of Bill Gates, “The world needs to rise to avert a climate crisis.”

There is still a major misconception in the net-zero emissions debate. As such, it is paramount to clarify this. In simple terms, net-zero emission means taking actions that remove the same amount of harmful emission that is injected into the micro-climates by a system. In the context of developing countries, it means implementing the directives set up by environmental regulatory bodies through environmental protection recommendations. In Nigeria, it does not mean we have to stop crude oil production. It means we should prevent carbon-positive flaring, enforce oil spill mitigation, and responsible remediation to balance the adverse effects of crude-oil pollution.

Nigeria is blessed with climate change deniers in every quarter. Those at the heart of oil production are particularly more motivated to discover the non-existent loopholes in the climate sciences. As such, there remains a collective reluctance to enforce environmental regulations and implement climate-friendly projects. A prime example is in the afforestation efforts that have been recycled in national budgets with near-zero implementation. Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s NZE targets only enables the climate deniers to delay climate action. 

According to Gadzama and Ayuba (2016), “the agents of desertification in Nigeria are climate change (especially changes in rainfall patterns), increased variability of droughts, inappropriate use of technologies in agriculture and land management, and land demand by the large population of the country. Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world at about 3.5% (UNEP, 1993), which is driven by widespread land degradation, increasing agricultural intensity, over-grazing of livestock, and demand for fuel wood (Musa and Shaib, 2010). Assessments of desertification, its causes, and impacts have been found by several researchers for specific locations in Northern Nigeria (e.g., Ogunwale, 2015; Adakayi and Ishaya, 2016; Sulaiman et al., 2017; Oloukoi et al., 2018). However, little or no effort has been directed at its monitoring across the entire northern region bordering the Sahel”. 

According to recent figures, floods make up the most frequent disaster type (UNISDR, 2018). Between 1998 and 2017, floods formed 43.4% of all recorded events and affected 45% of all individuals affected by weather-related disasters. Flood events are also projected to increase everywhere under all considered Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) warming scenarios (Alfieri et al., 2017). In terms of social outcome, the literature suggests that following extreme weather events, the type of conflicts that are more likely to occur include communal violence and land-use disputes rather than large-scale civil conflicts (Buhaug & Seter, 2014; Eck, 2014; Fjelde & von Uexkull, 2012). 

According to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 30 out of the 36 states were affected by the floods. The floods were termed the worst in Nigeria’s history in 40 years and affected an estimated total of seven million people (Nkwunonwo  2016). The estimated damages and losses caused by the floods were worth 2.6 trillion naira (Cirella and Iyalomhe 2018). 

Based on assumptions of access to technology, Nigeria’s NZE target may appear ambitious. This is due to an established understanding of the cycle of technological development and adoption. While the scope of NZE is not limited to the development of energy systems alone, several assessments have focused on the impacts of NZE on Nigeria’s race to energy sufficiency. In fact, the NZE encompasses strategic measures that include mitigation and adaptation across entire ecosystems. 

A lot of what was previously seen as ambitious goals has been found achievable under certain conditions. An example is the transition to remote work under the global threat of COVID-19. The previously predicted collapse of global systems was proven incorrect, and more corporate bodies have adapted to a new paradigm. Drawing from that, whether technologies would be accessible or affordable for energy transition is a function of collective will and competent strategy. The global consensus on climate action is the main driver of those conditions. The mass conviction of trendsetters in the developed world that feeds emerging economies with technology and behavioural incentives cannot be neglected.

 Photo Credit: Abubakar Sadiq Mustapha, Agaie, Local Government, Niger state.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)—three simple words that should represent universal human rights and the foundation of well-being. Yet for millions, these essentials remain elusive, unravelling into a web of interconnected crises. The absence of clean water sets off a domino effect, collapsing sanitation, deteriorating hygiene, and fueling cycles of malnutrition, disease, and poverty. This cascading crisis, rooted in water scarcity, highlights the fragile balance between humans and their environment, reminding us that the cost of inaction is far too great.

The Domino Effect of Water Scarcity

The lack of water is more than a physical absence; it is a profound assault on health and dignity. Without clean water, sanitation falters, creating an environment ripe for the spread of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Hygiene becomes a privilege, not a standard, forcing vulnerable communities into situations where disease and infection become inevitable. Imagine children with distended bellies, their frail bodies fighting malnutrition compounded by waterborne illnesses. Picture displaced families collecting water from gutters, unknowingly ingesting pathogens that compromise their immune systems further.

These aren’t distant realities but lived experiences for millions. I recall visiting rural communities as a child and seeing firsthand the struggles of those living without access to clean water. The long treks to boreholes, the laborious pumping of taps, and the rationing of water for basic needs—all underscore the inequities of water access. In some areas, taps run only every two days, and households are restricted to a fixed number of buckets. Women and children, often the ones tasked with water collection, bear the brunt of this burden, sacrificing time and energy that could be spent on education or economic pursuits.

The Invisible Crisis: Women and Hygiene

The intersection of water scarcity and gender inequity is glaring. For young girls, menstruation becomes a monthly ordeal without access to adequate water and sanitary products. Forced to use rags or other unhygienic methods, these girls are exposed to infections and are often shamed into missing school. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a denial of their dignity and potential.

The problem doesn’t stop there. In many water-scarce regions, firewood is the primary source of cooking fuel. Women spend hours inhaling smoke while preparing meals, leading to long-term respiratory illnesses. These are silent health crises, hidden behind cultural norms and systemic neglect.

Climate Change: The Catalyst for Crisis

Water scarcity is not an isolated issue; it’s a glaring symptom of climate change and environmental degradation. Deforestation, a key driver of climate change, disrupts water cycles by destroying vital watersheds. As forests vanish, groundwater recharge slows, surface runoff increases and ecosystems suffer. The results are devastating: drying rivers, shrinking water tables, and the loss of biodiversity.

The decline in rainfall, coupled with reduced condensation, signals a planet under immense pressure. Wildfires, fueled by parched landscapes, wreak havoc on ecosystems, releasing carbon emissions that exacerbate global warming. The cascading impacts of water depletion ripple across the natural world, affecting everything from crop yields to the availability of fruits and other essential resources.

The Modern Paradox

Ironically, as water becomes scarcer, modern lifestyles exacerbate the problem. The shift towards processed foods and packaged goods has reduced the consumption of water-rich, natural diets. These choices, driven by convenience, have led to rising rates of chronic diseases, including cancers. The overuse of plastics in packaging further contributes to pollution, compounding the ecological strain.

In urban areas, unsanitary street food conditions highlight the stark contrast between modern convenience and neglected hygiene. Vendors reuse dark, over-heated oils in environments surrounded by stagnant water, creating perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. This convergence of poor sanitation, hygiene, and water scarcity paints a troubling picture of global health challenges.

Change in Collective Action

Addressing the WASH crisis requires collective action and systemic change. It begins with recognizing that clean water is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, essential for health, dignity, and sustainability. Governments must prioritize investment in water infrastructure and embrace sustainable management practices to safeguard dwindling resources. Communities need education and support to adopt responsible consumption habits.

Equally important is empowering women and girls with access to hygiene products and private facilities. This small but vital change can restore their dignity, improve health outcomes, and open doors to education and opportunity.

The Time To Respond Is Now

The cascading crisis of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and hygiene is not an abstract problem; it is an urgent global emergency that demands immediate action. As forests disappear, water sources dry up, and vulnerable communities suffer, the cost of inaction grows heavier by the day.

We cannot afford to treat this as someone else’s problem. From rural villages relying on boreholes to urban streets plagued by poor hygiene, the WASH crisis touches us all. Addressing it means not only safeguarding our present but ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Let us remember: water is life, and its scarcity is a shared burden. The time to act is not tomorrow—it’s today. Together, we can turn the tide and secure a world where water, sanitation, and hygiene are not luxuries but universal realities.

Written by  Shamsiyah Abdulmumini

 The jour ney of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For me, that step was a leap  of faith, a bold decision to venture beyond the confines of my veterinary medicine  studies. A blend of audacity and a touch of delusion propelled me to join the Youth  Leadership Development Program 2024. 

Initially, self-doubt was my constant companion. Could I balance the demands of my  academic pursuits with the rigors of this program? Would I be able to make a  meaningful contribution? These questions echoed in my mind, threatening to stifle my  aspirations. But as I delved deeper into the program, I discovered a newfound sense of  purpose. The self-leadership course empowered me to confront my fears and embrace  my potential. It was a transformative experience that shattered my limiting beliefs and  instilled in me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone. 

When it came to choosing a focus area, I was torn between sustainability and  advocacy. Both held immense appeal, but ultimately, I gravitated towards sustainability.  I believed that by promoting sustainable practices, I could address the root causes of  many societal problems. I envisioned a future where communities are empowered to  make informed choices, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the  environment. 

My journey as a community changemaker has been a rollercoaster of emotions, filled  with both challenges and triumphs. There were moments of self-doubt when I  questioned my ability to make a significant impact. However, I persevered, fueled by a  deep-seated passion for creating a better world. I learned the importance of  collaboration, the power of perseverance, and the joy of making a difference. 

Through countless hours of volunteering, I witnessed firsthand the impact of  community-driven initiatives. From organizing clean-up drives to raising awareness  about environmental issues, every action, no matter how small, contributed to a larger  movement. I realized that true change is not about grand gestures but about  consistent, collective effort.

One of the most significant lessons I learned was the power of storytelling. By sharing  my experiences and inspiring others, I hoped to ignite a spark within them,  encouraging them to become agents of change. I believe that everyone has the  potential to make a difference, regardless of their background or circumstances. 

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities I have been  afforded. I am grateful for the mentors who have guided me, the friends who have  supported me, and the community that has embraced me. I am also grateful for the  challenges I have faced, as they have shaped me into the person I am today. 

Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my work as a community changemaker. I  believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable, equitable, and just  world. I am excited to see what the future holds and to inspire others to join me on this  journey. 

I am a girl who is change and has the audacity intertwined with delusion insisting to be  heard.

Written by  Shamsiyah Abdulmumini

In a remarkable effort to tackle climate change and improve food security in Northwest Nigeria, Green Habitat Initiative (GHI), with funding from the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) and support from the Climate Technology Center and Network (CTCN), hosted a two-day Workshop on Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Argungu, Kebbi State. Held on November 28 – 29, 2024, the event brought together stakeholders, farmers, and experts to build resilience against climate challenges.

Bridging the Gap with RANETA

Central to the workshop was the introduction of the Radio and Internet for Climate Technology in Agricultural Resilience (RANETA) system. Designed to deliver agrometeorological data in farmer-friendly formats, RANETA aims to equip smallholder farmers with early warning systems and actionable insights. This initiative seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and empower rural communities that often face challenges like market failures, insecure land tenure, and lack of climate information.

Aims and Objectives

The workshop targeted 60 smallholder farmers from Farfajiya Farms in Argungu, comprising 29 women and 31 men. The goals were clear:

1. Awareness: Create an understanding of climate change impacts on agriculture.
2. Knowledge: Provide skills to implement sustainable practices.
3. Collaboration: Foster a support network among farmers and extension workers.
4. Innovation: Encourage the adoption of new technologies.
5. Capacity Building: Empower participants to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

Workshop Sessions: Learning and Action

Day 1: Understanding Climate Change

The workshop began with a welcome address by GHI Project Manager Mr. Yazid Haruna Shayau, who set the tone for two days of learning and collaboration. The sessions covered critical topics like the effects of climate change on agriculture, led by Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliero, Deputy Dean at Kebbi State University of Science and Technology. Participants learned how global climate changes impact rural farmers and the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

The role of trust in weather forecasts and the integration of technology in early warning systems were discussed by Mr Faruk Garba Illo, Director of Projects at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. These sessions highlighted the importance of reliable data dissemination through systems like RANETA.

Day 2: Building Resilience and Practical Training

The second day emphasized actionable strategies, with sessions on building resilience for rural farmers and implementing policies for sustainable agricultural practices. The participants also engaged in fieldwork and practical demonstrations, making the theoretical lessons tangible.

A notable highlight was the stakeholder discussion involving extension workers and farm leaders, led by Mr. Bala Muhammad, Kebbi State Program Officer of IFAD. These discussions laid the groundwork for collaborative action plans to sustain the RANETA system.

Stakeholder Engagement: A Collaborative Effort

The workshop concluded with a robust action plan for extension workers and farm leaders, focusing on:

• Weekly farmer engagement to discuss weather updates.
• Bi-weekly virtual meetings for the RANETA team and stakeholders.
• Quarterly reviews with traditional rulers and community leaders.

While the workshop achieved significant progress, challenges like limited financial resources for communication and travel were identified. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the success of RANETA.

Outcomes and Closing Remarks

The President of GHI and Project Director for RANETA TA, Engr. Sadiq Gulma, commended the participants for their enthusiasm and the facilitators for their expertise. He emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge gained to create resilient and sustainable farming systems.

A Vision for the Future

This workshop underscores GHI’s commitment to advancing sustainable development goals, particularly in combating climate change, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security. By equipping farmers with knowledge and tools, initiatives like this pave the way for a resilient agricultural future in Nigeria.

As GHI continues to drive innovative solutions, the lessons from Argungu serve as a model for empowering communities to adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges.

 In a small village in rural Nigeria, 13-year-old Salama wakes up before dawn to start her day. She lives with her family in a small hut with no toilet. Her parents, like many others, cannot afford to build one. Salama’s daily routine begins with a walk to the nearby bush, where she and her siblings relieve themselves. The stench of human waste and the risk of diseases linger, but it’s a reality they’ve grown accustomed to.

As she walks to school, Salama worries about using the school’s dilapidated toilet. The doors don’t lock, and the smell is overpowering. She often holds her bladder until she returns home, risking infections. Salama’s story is not unique; millions of Nigerian children face similar sanitation challenges. Imagine waking up every morning to the stench of decay, the decomposed smell of human waste lingering in the air. For millions of Nigerians, this is the reality they are faced with. Behind the vibrant culture and resilience of Africa’s largest nation lies a festering sanitation crisis, claiming lives and undermining human dignity. Nigeria’s sanitation emergency is a ticking time bomb, hidden in plain sight that needs to be detonated as soon as possible.

Sanitation is a fundamental aspect of human health and dignity and it continues to remain a pressing concern in Nigeria and many third world countries. The country’s sanitation crisis affects many people, compromising their well-being, security, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.

This blog post examines the current state of sanitation in Nigeria, highlighting challenges and potential solutions to the sanitation issues in Nigeria.

According to UNICEF, approximately 60 million Nigerians lack access to basic drinking water, and 80 million people do not have improved sanitation facilities. This has disturbing consequences, particularly for children under five, with over 70,000 deaths annually due to contaminated water and poor sanitation leading to diseases like diarrhea, typhoid fever and dysentery. Research from the World Bank shows that 39% of households in rural areas lack access to at least basic water supply, while only half of this population have access to improved sanitation.

Women and girls are not left out because they often bear the burden of water collection, typically often walking long distances, which has negative effects on their well-being, school attendance, and increased risk of harassment and gender-based violence.

According to UNICEF, women and girls spend an estimated 152 million hours annually collecting water. This time investment restricts their participation in education, economic activities, and healthcare thereby continuing cycles of poverty for them and by extension, their families. Additionally, the physical strain of water collection can lead to health issues, such as back and joint pain, and increased risk of accidents. Inadequate sanitation facilities worsen the challenges faced by rural Nigerians. Open defecation contaminates water sources, spreading diseases and deteriorating the lives of many.

To curb these sanitation challenges in Nigeria, key actions are required. It is important to carry out urgent and collective actions. Governments at all levels are enjoined to prioritize sanitation infrastructure developments and foster implementation of policies. Government can also invest in sanitation solutions and services for the public in order to curb open defecation. The private sector and civil society organizations can support this cause by implementing community led initiatives which can improve the knowledge and adoption of improved sanitation practices amongst grassroot and rural community members.

With these actions, slowly and surely, issues of sanitation will be subdued in Nigeria.

 

References

• World Bank 
• Unicef
• Unicef