Written by: Chukwuemeka Agu
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), as a leading civic society for climate advocacy in Nigeria, actively participated in a high-level stakeholder and policy engagement organized by the African Centre for Climate Actions and Rural Development (ACCARD) in collaboration with the African Climate Foundation (ACF).
The event, held at the Central Business District of Abuja, was themed “Climate Change, Sustainable Land Use and Agriculture.” It brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, development organizations, and academia to explore and develop viable policy pathways for sustainable land use and agriculture in the context of Nigeria’s national climate action strategy.
This timely engagement was convened against the backdrop of Nigeria’s renewed climate commitments, particularly the Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2021. These commitments prioritize the agriculture and land-use sectors as key areas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
The engagement served as a critical step toward building inclusive, participatory, and actionable policy frameworks for sustainable land use and agriculture in Nigeria and CSDevNet remains committed to supporting the Federal Government, partners, and communities in advancing climate-resilient development through informed advocacy, inclusive dialogue, and strategic partnerships.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, called on stakeholders to collaborate in mitigating the impact of climate change. He also emphasized the need for sustainable land use practices to reduce its adverse effects.
Climate change is having more severe consequences now than ever before. It threatens human existence, as well as peace, security, and national development. These effects are increasingly evident in the form of floods, desertification, erosion, and unpredictable weather conditions, making forecasting a major challenge.
In Nigeria, the adverse effects of climate change have contributed to, and in many cases intensified, competition for natural resources, biodiversity loss, and the erosion of livelihoods—often resulting in increased conflict. The combination of a rapidly growing population and worsening climate impacts is driving food insecurity, reduced agricultural productivity, and heightened hunger.
On the impact of climate change on land use, He said: “Climate change has been exacerbated by the unsustainable land use application of agrochemicals. We no longer weed the farms. Now we must spray, even if it is just one square meter, we use chemicals to spray the weed there. This leads to loss of fertile lands and, of course, natural capital resources”.
The potential negative impact on the human environment can only be averted if the land is used sustainably. Land must be used sustainably to obtain the maximum benefits. This entails careful use of application of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides to land during agricultural cultivation, use of land for roads, rails, buildings, and civil infrastructure.
Amb. Freeman Oluowo, founder of ACCARD said the meeting was called to tackle the multiple and worsening challenges associated with climate change.
He said that with the establishment and implementation of the right policies, climate change-related issues would be addressed. He said, “Looking at the food system, people are eating unhealthy food and there is a need to ensure that food in the market is safe for consumption. So, this meeting was called to find solution to climate change and sustainable land use”.
Prof. Soleiman Omeiza Eku Sadiku made a presentation on Assessing Nigeria’s Current Climate Change and Sustainable Land Use Programmes. Nigeria’s climate change and sustainable land use efforts are at a critical juncture as the country strives to meet its national and international climate commitments.
He said, “While significant progress has been made—particularly through the implementation of the Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and policies promoting climate-smart agriculture—challenges remain.
These include weak enforcement mechanisms, limited stakeholder coordination, inadequate funding, and gaps in data and technical capacity”. A comprehensive assessment of existing programmes is essential to identify strengths, address policy gaps, and chart a more integrated and inclusive path toward resilient land use and effective climate action.
Ahmed Chinade Abdullahi, World Bank Group, made a presentation on Pathway, ways for developing a sustainable climate change policies and sustainable land use programmes in Nigeria.
He stated, that the growing impact of climate change poses a serious threat to our environment, economy, and national development. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, desertification, flooding, and the loss of biodiversity are no longer future projections—they are realities we face today. These challenges demand urgent and coordinated action.
Developing sustainable climate change policies and land use programmes is not just an environmental necessity; it is a developmental imperative. To chart a meaningful path forward, we must first acknowledge the progress made—particularly through the implementation of Nigeria’s Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the gradual adoption of climate-smart practices in agriculture and forestry.
However, we also recognize the persistent gaps that hinder real transformation: weak policy enforcement, fragmented institutional coordination, limited access to climate finance, and the marginalization of local communities in decision-making. To overcome these challenges, Nigeria must adopt a multi-sectoral and inclusive approach to policy development and implementation.
First, we must strengthen institutional coordination at all levels—federal, state, and local—ensuring that ministries, departments, and agencies work together with shared goals and accountability.
Second, our development planning must be climate-resilient. Climate change should not be treated as a standalone issue but embedded in our economic, agricultural, infrastructural, and social development agendas.
Third, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management must be scaled up. This includes investing in research, supporting farmers with training and technology, and protecting our forests and watersheds.
Fourth, we must leverage accurate data and indigenous knowledge to guide evidence-based policymaking. Without reliable information and local insights, our strategies risk being disconnected from ground realities.
Fifth, community participation and ownership must be central to any solution. Policies must reflect the voices of those most affected by climate change—our farmers, women, youth, and rural dwellers. Empowering them through education, capacity building, and access to resources is key.
Furthermore, we must expand access to climate finance, tapping into international funds and mobilizing domestic investment to support adaptation and mitigation efforts at scale.
And finally, policy enforcement must be strengthened. Sustainability is only achievable when policies are not just passed, but actively implemented, monitored, and reviewed.
In conclusion, Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in climate resilience and sustainable land use in Africa. But we must act decisively and inclusively. By embracing these pathways, we will not only protect our environment but also secure the future of our food systems, natural resources, and the wellbeing of generations to come.