**Nigeria Customs Service’s Commitment to Climate Change: A Crucial Step Towards a Sustainable Future**
The commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to environmental protection and climate change is a strong testament to its corporate social responsibility and contribution to national strategies to combat the devastating effects of climate change. This determination was highlighted during a keynote presentation by Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Kaduna Zone B, at a 3-day retreat held at the National Teachers Institute (NTI), Kaduna.
The theme of the retreat, “Involving Youths in Climate Change in Our Community,” highlighted the importance of youth engagement in addressing current climate challenges. This joint initiative with the Kaduna North Red Cross Society was a shining example of the crucial role of stakeholders in promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness of the climate emergency.
Comptroller Shuaibu’s presentation highlighted the major role that the Nigeria Customs Service can play as a signatory to several Multilateral Environmental Agreements in addressing climate change. His speech highlighted the need for collaborations among stakeholders, support for renewable energy initiatives, promotion of sustainable business practices and combating illegal wildlife trafficking as a means of combating global climate challenges.
This statement highlights the Nigeria Customs Service’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability and its willingness to contribute to national climate change mitigation strategies. Highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change on the Nigerian ecosystem, economy and society, the retreat provided a forum to discuss innovative approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, such as sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy solutions and environmentally friendly policies.
The challenges identified in addressing climate change in Nigeria, such as the lack of effective policies and legislation, lack of institutional coordination, reliance on fossil fuels and oil exports, high poverty rates, deforestation and land degradation as well as lack of public awareness and education on climate change require a holistic and collaborative approach to be addressed..
The conclusion of the retreat, marked by the planting of trees, symbolised the shared commitment of the organisers and participants to environmental sustainability. The Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Operations Unit, Kaduna Zone B and the Kaduna North Red Cross Society demonstrated their shared commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. This initiative represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s fight against the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
In conclusion, the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to the fight against climate change reflects its determination to actively contribute to a sustainable future for Nigeria. With the growing recognition of the environmental challenges facing the country, this approach of awareness raising and concrete action sets an inspiring example for other public and private partners to get involved in protecting our planet for present and future generations.