NGYouthSDGs Participation at the Climate Security Summit

L-R: Opeyemi Ogundeji, Programmes Manager, NGYouthSDGs, Dr.Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General/CEO of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)

Earlier this year, the Network of Youth for Sustainable Development Goals (NGYouthSDGs) launched the Empowering Youth Civil Societies to Build Stronger Communities in Nigeria Project ‘#ClimateActionForStrongerNaija. This project, funded by the German Missions in Nigeria, focuses on enhancing the capacity of youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) to drive climate action and contribute to the implementation of Nigeria’s  National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

The project has directly supported 15 youth CSOs and indirectly benefited over 165 others through a train-the-trainer approach across five states: Delta, Enugu, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Ondo. Additionally, 300 young people from 34 states received training to raise awareness about Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and contribute to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). As part of the project, selected CSOs organised 12 community dialogues to gather insights on climate vulnerabilities, supporting the creation of Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPAs) for potential adoption by local governments.

NGYouthSDGs’ commitment to fostering collaboration between youth-led CSOs and government was further emphasised by our invitation to participate in the Climate Security Summit hosted by the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) on October 30, 2024, at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Abuja. The summit convened representatives from government agencies, international organisations, NGOs, research institutions, and academia. Our Programmes Manager, Opeyemi Ogundeji, attended the event, which provided us with more valuable insights into Nigeria’s commitments to climate action and youth inclusion.

A snapshot of Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi giving his Keynote Address

Some Key Takeaways from the Summit

• Keynote Address: National Food System Transformation Pathway: Roadmap to achieving a food secured economy
  
• Speaker: Honourable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
  The Honourable Minister discussed Nigeria’s roadmap to achieving a food-secure economy. His commitments included:

1. Mechanisation and Technology: It was expressed that it has been observed that Nigerian youths are interested in Agriculture and contributing to combating food insecurity which has been amplified by the impacts of climate change. However, the demand has been identified that increased mechanisation is a necessity whereby there is a leveraging of technology or AI to make farming activities admirable to the younger generations. The Nigerian government is working on providing agricultural machinery across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, including AI integration.
2. Seed and Input Distribution: Emphasised the need for improved seed varieties, and currently there are 62% of farmers using improved seeds. His office has committed to promoting formalised seed development as well.
3. Youth and Women in Agriculture: Recognised youth and women as critical contributors, noting that “the innovation of the youths and the dedication of the women are key to ensuring food security. “
4. Data Collection Initiatives: His office is collaborating with NIMC and the National Bureau to gather data on available active actors/farmers in the sector to inform their targeted interventions. Currently, Nigeria has 42 million farming households.

Capacity Building for Farmers: Training programs on safe planting techniques to ensure Nigerian food products meet international standards. Sen. Abdullahi also highlighted the importance of continuous feedback to foster innovation, stating, “When there is no feedback loop, innovation becomes flat.”

A snapshot of the panel moderator and the panellists for panel session 1

Panel Session 1: Efforts to tackle Food insecurity and Shortage in Nigeria

The session, which explored efforts to reduce food insecurity, included key insights:

• Climate-Resilient Seeds and Information Accessibility: Dr. Deola-Tayo Lordbanjou, emphasised that his office has been working to ensure the distribution of climate-smart seeds and revising Nigeria’s cropping calendar. Additionally, that they are developing a National Electronic Platform which will be a one-stop that provides every information any farmer needs for improved productivity.
• Research and Innovation: Dr Philip Audu Ibrahim of the NCRI shared that there are 18-commodity-based research institutes developing seed varieties for specific climate challenges (flood or drought).
• Weather Forecasting and Digital Services: Dr James Ali Ijampy Adamu from NIMET discussed how they are using localised weather data collection to help farmers prepare for climate impacts and their ongoing work on digital advisory services for farmers via SMS/USSD. Additionally, he added that they aim to have a working group in each state to train the farmers on how to use the information they get on the weather for their agricultural activities and direct resource mobilisation.
• Measures for Strengthening Food Security: Arc Kabir Ibrahim emphasised the need for to review and honour her COP28 nation’s commitment. He acknowledged the nation’s growing awareness of food security threats. He urged a state-focused approach to securing staple foods, enhancing their accessibility and affordability, and advocated for GMO adoption to strengthen food security while encouraging farmers to seek expert guidance over unverified sources.
• Comments Raised by Participants:
  There was a call for increased fertilizer availability in Nigeria. Feedback was given advising against blanket fertilizer applications, and advocating for targeted approaches based on local soil and climate conditions.
  The need for inclusive knowledge products that also consider persons with disabilities (PWDs) was highlighted.
  When will Nigeria introduce legislation to cap the number of children per household? Our population is growing rapidly, while current food resources are already insufficient for today’s needs. If birth rates continue to rise unchecked, we may soon struggle to meet basic needs.

Mustapha Muhammad Dewu, Head of Programs, Green Habitat Initiative delivering presentation 1

Presentation 1: Accessing Climate Finance to enhance effective implementation of Nigeria’s Food System Pathway toward achieving the NDC commitment” 

Experiences and Lessons learnt on accessing funds processes

Speaker: Mustapha Muhammad Dewu, Head of Programs, Green Habitat Initiative.
Dewu outlined steps for Nigerian stakeholders to access climate finance through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Adaptation Fund and GEF.

Key points included:

• Stakeholder Engagement and Data Use: Early engagement with stakeholders and data-backed proposals are essential for success. Additionally, flexibility in project design to meet funding criteria is vital.
• Capacity building at local and national levels: This is essential to enhance the effectiveness of climate financing mechanisms. Empowering communities with the skills to access and manage climate funds enables them to implement sustainable, locally tailored-climate solutions.
• Challenges in Accessing Funds: Bureaucratic delays and limited climate finance mechanisms awareness were noted as significant obstacles.
• Comments Raised by Participants
  A participant raised concerns about the inaccessibility of funds for grassroots organisations.
  Questions were raised on whether climate financing mechanisms (Adaptation Fund, GCF) shared extends to other sectoral groups like health. The summarised response to these comments was that the funding model involves going through accredited entities like the Development Bank Nigeria (DBN) designated for disbursement.

A snapshot of the panel moderator and the panellists for panel session 2

Presentation 2: The Creation of a Framework for a Voluntary Agricultural Carbon Offset Programme in Nigeria
Speaker: Chukwuma Kalu, CEO, Verdure Climate Limited

This presentation introduced a framework for a voluntary agricultural carbon offset program in Nigeria to promote carbon sequestration through agricultural practices.

Panel Session 2: Available Finance Instruments for Stakeholders to explore in the implementation of Nigeria’s NDC

The panel explored financing instruments for NDC implementation.
Key points included:
Specialised Insurance for Climate Crises: A recommendation of blanket insurance coverage at the state level to mitigate climate risks was shared.
Strategic Use of Nigerian Resources: We’ve experienced various phases of resource development in Nigeria. It’s time to designate our lithium resources strategically to support environmental cleanup efforts and empower our farmers.
Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)’s Targeted Funding Opportunities: DBN was expressed to be committed to empowering youth, women, and startups through dedicated funding mechanisms tailored to foster inclusive growth providing resources needed to innovate, create and drive sustainable development.

Key points included:

1. Specialised Insurance for Climate Crises: A recommendation of blanket insurance coverage at the state level to mitigate climate risks was shared. 
2. Strategic Use of Nigerian Resources: We’ve experienced various phases of resource development in Nigeria. It’s time to designate our lithium resources strategically to support environmental cleanup efforts and empower our farmers. 

Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)’s Targeted Funding Opportunities: DBN was expressed to be committed to empowering youth, women, and startups through dedicated funding mechanisms tailored to foster inclusive growth providing resources needed to innovate, create and drive sustainable development.

The presentation was an analysis of historical rainfall trends and the variability of extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, to support climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies for Nigerian agriculture. 

It also provided a detailed examination of the spatiotemporal impacts of climate change, focusing on evidence of agricultural vulnerability throughout the growing season under projected future climate scenarios. The findings aim to inform policies and interventions that enhance climate resilience, protect agricultural productivity, and support sustainable livelihoods for Nigerian farmers facing an increasingly uncertain climate.

A snapshot of directors, ministries and department heads

Presentation 3: Studies on 

• Analysis of historical rainfall trends and variability of extreme events of oods and droughts for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience of Nigerian Agriculture. 
• Report on spatiotemporal impacts of climate change to provide evidence of vulnerability within the growing season in future climate scenarios

Speaker: Mr Tunrayo Alabi, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) 
The presentation was an analysis of historical rainfall trends and the variability of extreme weather events, including floods and droughts, to support climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies for Nigerian agriculture. 

It also provided a detailed examination of the spatiotemporal impacts of climate change, focusing on evidence of agricultural vulnerability throughout the growing season under projected future climate scenarios. The findings aim to inform policies and interventions that enhance climate resilience, protect agricultural productivity, and support sustainable livelihoods for Nigerian farmers facing an increasingly uncertain climate.

L-R: Opeyemi Ogundeji, Programmes Manager, NGYouthSDGs, Godwin Lasisi, Youth Activator Lab (YAL) Associate at NGYouthSDGs

The summit concluded with a candid reflections and reactions on Nigeria’s challenges in climate action implementation. A common sentiment was voiced: “The problem of Nigeria is that we are too good on paper,” indicating the need for stronger systems to ensure alignment and cooperation across sectors. The Nigerian Ministries were encouraged to establish a unified climate policy to streamline efforts across departments.

Lastly, the summit provided NGYouthSDGs with vital knowledge and connections that will support our ongoing work with #ClimateActionForStrongerNaija. As we continue to advocate for youth inclusion in climate policies, we are inspired by the dedication shown by all stakeholders to address climate-related challenges. Through collaborative efforts, we can strive toward a more resilient and sustainable Nigeria.