Climate Change: An Emerging Nigeria Economic Threat

By Abiodun Adeleke

Climate change has evolved from what was considered a far-off problem to a global hot potato for which Nigeria, especially, is unprepared.

As it is, the economy of Nigeria is highly dependent on agriculture and, of course, natural resources. Due to the country’s dependence on these resources, the impacts of climate change on her economy have been and continue to be very numerous, reaching many facets.

Some Key Impacts on Nigeria’s Economy

Agriculture:

Decreased crop yields: High temperatures, erratic rainfall, and other extreme weather conditions such as droughts and flooding are reducing agricultural productivity, hence food insecurity and low export earnings.
Livestock loss: Severe heat and lack of water concerns make the livestock unhealthy and less productive, especially in northern Nigeria.

Soil degradation:

Soil erosion, desertification, and salinization are reducing the expanse of agricultural land and hindering crop growth.

Energy:

Hydropower generation: through reducing the water availability of the source of hydropower generation, climate change causes shortage in power and disrupts industrial activities.
Infrastructure destruction: extreme weather conditions can destroy energy infrastructures such as power plants and transmission lines, further aggravating the energy situation.
Coastal erosion and flooding:
Rising Sea Levels: In the case of coastal cities facing erosion, flooding, and displacement of communities, such as Lagos, the threat of rising sea levels is very real. ​
Infrastructure Damage: The rise in sea levels could bring damage to roads, bridges, and other coastal infrastructure through storm surges. ​

Public Health:

Increased Burden of Disease: Climate change is creating ideal conditions for the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and waterborne illnesses.
Health care cost: Increased burden of disease increases health care costs.

Tourism:

From being less attractive to visitors due to the impacts related to extreme weather and poor environmental conditions brought about by climate change, to a shift to other occupational diversification.

Responses to Challenges:
Climate change has challenges that need urgent addressing to reduce adverse impacts on Nigeria’s economy. It is necessary to:
Climate-smart agriculture: adopt climate-resilient agricultural methods like agroforestry, crop diversification, and water retention.

Invest in renewable energy: to reduce dependence on fossil fuel supplies through increased production of renewable energy, including solar and wind.

Strengthening of infrastructure: Investment in climate-resilient infrastructures such as flood control measures, coastal protection, and energy infrastructures.

Policy formulations that will protect the forests, thereby maintaining biodiversity without causing deforestation, will encourage sustainable land use.

Create awareness and build capacity: Educate the people on the consequences of climatic changes while simultaneously building the capacities of government institutions and communities in how to adapt to it.

With all these, Nigeria will increase her resilience to climate change while ensuring a sustainable future of its economy and its people.