The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) is focused on addressing issues related to climate change, adaptation, risk reduction and strengthening resilience in Nigeria.
The 2025 NAS Scientific Conference, the sixth edition since its establishment, is titled “Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Nigeria.” It is being held in Abuja to advocate for evidence-informed policies that promote the growth and development of Nigeria.
Adapting to the consequences of climate change and building resilience is crucial for protecting people, homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure and natural ecosystems.
According to the United Nations (UN), climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts can occur naturally or be driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) that produce greenhouse gases.
Deputy Clerk of the Federal House of Representatives and a technical advisor on climate-smart national responses at the Development Research and Projects Centre (DRPC), Vivian Njemanze emphasised the need for collaboration with global communities to effectively combat climate change, as it can jeopardise plans made by these communities.
She stated that Nigeria needs to build a knowledge base around climate change and establish more research initiatives within parliament. This legislative research is essential for supporting the government’s actions through evidence-based information. “Data is key to solving problems at this critical time, and we need to harmonise our action plans,” she said.
Njemanze also highlighted the necessity of aligning stakeholder structures with government activities to address climate change issues and establishing a data management infrastructure for users. She stressed the importance of reducing carbon emissions in Nigeria, noting the country’s commitment to achieving renewable energy by 2060 as part of global objectives.
She called for appropriate policies to tackle climate-related issues and allocate sufficient funds to make data accessible to researchers. Njemanze emphasised that inclusive participation and equity-driven approaches are crucial for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. By involving women, children and vulnerable populations in decision-making processes, more effective and sustainable solutions can be created.
Similarly, the director-general of the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), Samson Duna stated that climate infrastructure is no longer optional; it is a necessity that must be addressed. To safeguard communities, preserve the environment and ensure sustainable development, a clear pathway must be developed.
Duna explained that climate infrastructure includes the physical systems, structures, and networks that support the resilience and sustainability of communities in the face of climate change. This encompasses renewable energy systems, green buildings, flood protection and water management, transportation systems, ecosystem-based adaptation, and climate-resilient agriculture.
He stressed the need to design and construct infrastructure that can withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters. Duna pointed out that Nigeria’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to these disasters is limited due to a lack of effective warning systems.
Duna emphasised that designing and implementing climate-resilient infrastructure requires consideration of several key factors, including understanding climate needs, using resilient materials, integrated planning, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring flexibility and adaptability in finance and resource organisation.
The president of NAS, Ekanem Braide, underscored the importance of collaboration and action on climate change, advocating for movement beyond merely publishing research to actual implementation in the field.
Braide noted that the conference has brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, industry representatives, and parliamentarians, to tackle climate change challenges collaboratively. She announced plans to expand the conference to other countries in Africa, aiming to create a more international platform for discussing and addressing climate change, starting from Africa.
