By Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba
There are so many things on the table awaiting the newly inaugurated administration. With insecurity topping the list, there is a great task of realising viable and sustainable economic alternatives, developing a solid healthcare structure, and battling an ever-evolving overwhelming climate reality. The just-inaugurated administration will undoubtedly be challenged by many of what its predecessors fought. Addressing these issues of high public priority is an invaluable facet of the success of Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Unifying the country after a rigorously contested election is another challenge the incoming administration will face. The recently held elections have unveiled another dimension of disunity in this country. Unity is always an essential asset in any country’s development, which is why it is a pillar upon which societies thrive. Even before the new president was elected, the Muslim-Muslim ticket that filled the air was refuted by opposition parties.
Environmental challenges have dreaded many plans to succeed in Nigeria. Recently, because they are primarily multi-faceted. In 2022, they brought an unprecedented climate crisis in Nigeria and the world. Floods have devastated communities in Southern parts of the country, and many of the communities in the North were displaced. The inherent consequences of climate-related problems in our country are truly worrisome.
Over 12,000 farmlands across 14 local government areas were destroyed in Kano State due to heavy and torrential rainfalls. These figures were pronounced by the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). In addition, several families were forcefully displaced from their homes.
In Jigawa State, many homes were destroyed by heavy rains and floods. Numerous families had to be dispersed across schools, serving as relief camps for the displaced. Some innocent lives were lost after being buried by the building, an effect of heavy rainfall. A substantial number of farmlands were said to have been destroyed too. These issues occurred while the President Buhari administration was nearing its end and political campaigns heightened.
The federal and state governments rushed to cushion the effects by sharing palliatives with affected communities. Philanthropists also played an essential role in supporting the victims affected. Many families had lost everything, including their only source of livelihood, farming. This challenge intensified living conditions for average Nigerians in these parts of the country as prices of commodities hiked and the cost of living rose significantly.
Now after a year, we’re back at it again. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has started highlighting forecasts of what we would expect during this year’s rainfall season, and indicators are frightening; heavy rains and thunderstorms are the pointers. And because the foresight comes as a warning signal, many families in these areas are already baffled with unimaginable thoughts, picturing last year’s experiences.
Apart from heavy floods, the inconsistency of rainfall in the Northern part of the country is another climate wrinkle. If not managed with the right agricultural methodologies, the inconsistency of rain will only worsen access to food supplies. Policies of the just concluded government in terms of border closure and later ban on importing products like foreign rice have hit hard a large percentage of Nigeria’s population. Most average Nigerians have long relied on these foreign food supplies for survival. Even with the supposed increase in agricultural activities as the alternative induced by the Buhari administration, the prices are unbearable.
Heat is now persistent with the cut down of trees in the North. The severe effect has been felt by people, unlike heat seasons before. This year’s Ramadan season was barely scaled through because of excessive heat. By now, many are starting to realise the importance of building trees and the ills of cutting them down. Federal and state government initiatives at this stage in our lives must prioritise replanting of new and resilient breeds of trees in places set for infrastructural activities. Our experiences have highlighted that prior climate change initiatives in this respect are not enough.
Health problems are also being exacerbated as climate change continues to unravel. Continuous pollution consistently exposed Nigerians to various health hazards. Gigantic pyramids of waste in cities have polluted healthy air. In areas where the waste pyramids are later burnt down, people are forced to breathe in harmful substances that have long-lasting effects. More so, manufacturing companies in, for instance, Kano, have been hit with several allegations of releasing toxic substances after their production processes.
According to Wasteaid (2021), with no access to waste management services, one in 3 people worldwide have no choice but to dump or burn their waste. Open waste burning is a significant emitter of black carbon, CO2, carbon monoxide, and other harmful toxins. This explains the risks attached to indiscriminate waste generation and management.
The findings are vindicated by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) 2021 in a study which identified that Nigeria produces more than 3 million tonnes of waste annually, and only 20 to 30 per cent is collected and disposed of. Uncontrolled wasted burning, which is one of the practices, contributes to deteriorating air quality in Urban centres.
In their recent publication this year, UNEP also states that in Nigeria, sachets have become increasingly widespread, especially in fast-growing cities like Lagos. Research shows that about 50 to 60 million used water sachets are thrown into the streets daily. When you picture the whole of Nigeria in terms of this indiscriminate act, you know a bigger problem lies ahead unless necessary measures are implored. I have not forgotten about e-wastes that have found dwelling places in Nigerian cities.
I cannot possibly explore all the existential climate challenges within this single piece. On the one hand, the federal government is currently overwhelmed with subsidy removal, dollar instability and making appointments. On the other hand, at state/local levels, some governments a busy investigating the ills of just concluded administrations while others are trying to get a hold of the affairs of the states. Unfortunately, all these aren’t slow down the speech of climate-induced consequences.
In the southern part of the country, Nigeria has been fighting oil exploration problems which have disrupted livelihood. Floods have been a major occurrence in areas where oil is not being extracted. These challenges have to be creatively and carefully addressed.
Nigeria is blessed with enormous human resources capable of producing excellent ideas to combat some of these issues. As part of the government’s obligation to serve, it must consider accepting solutions from communities, creative youths, and start-ups. Many ideas can be supported with considerable investment to help the fight against climate-induced calamities.
Nusaiba Ibrahim Na’abba is a master’s student from the Department of Mass Communication, BUK. She is a freelance writer and researcher. She can be reached via nusaibaibrahim66@gmail.com.
