Customs Identifies With Environmental Protection

…Leads Discussion On Mitigation of Climate Change

Participants at a three-day retreat jointly organised by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division, in collaboration with the NCS, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B Kaduna from 6 to 9 October, 2024, as part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR), held in Kaduna.

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed its commitment to sustainable environment even as the service has stood out boldly in strategically contributing its quota to the mitigation of climate change.

Above was disclosed by the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu  at the just-concluded three-day retreat held at the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna.

A statement by the Unit Public Relations Officer, , Isah Sulaiman, made available to our reporter, stated that Unit led by Comptroller Shuaibu participated in the retreat with the theme “Youth Involvement In Tackling Climate Change In Our Community”; which came to a close on Wednesday.

The statement informed that the event which was jointly organised by the Red Cross Kaduna North Division, in collaboration with the NCS, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B Kaduna from 6 to 9 October 2024, is part of the Unit’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative (CSR).

The statement reads in part: “This initiative marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s quest to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change,” it was added in the release.

“The NCS, Federal Operations Unit B Kaduna and the Red Cross, Kaduna North Division, demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.”

The Unit boss who presented a paper on the role of the NCS in mitigating the pressing issue of climate change in Nigeria, reportedly said the NCS is signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEAs), part of which has to do with pressing climate issues.

He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders, support of renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable trade practices and combating wildlife trafficking also as a means of combating the prevailing global climate challenge.

The three-day retreat 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.

Shuaibu and participants at the retreat planting trees at the end of the event.

The event also provided a platform for discussions on innovative approach to climate change adaptation and mitigation, including sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly policies.

Overall, Shuaibu highlighted challenges in mitigating the effects of climate change in Nigeria, which he notes include but not limited to lack of effective climate change policy and legislation, inadequate institutional framework and coordination.

Other challenges according to him is 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 highlight of the retreat was when the organisers and participants took out time to plant trees, which underscores their commitment to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.