NACCIMA demands immediate action on 2021 climate change report
By Charles Okonji
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called for urgent actions by government and other stakeholders including the Private Sector for the implementation of the recommendations of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC) as contained in the 2021 Climate Change Report dated 9th August 2021.
The National President of (NACCIMA), Ide John Udeagbala made this known to the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria in a press statement.
Udeagbala stated that the Climate Change report described as ‘Cold Red’ for humanity by the UN Secretary General and a reality check by the UN IPCC deserves close attention against the background that Climate Change is affecting practically every region of the world as it will intensify in years to come.
He said, “Floods and fires that have been raging in Europe, Asia, Canada, US etc and the experiences of floods at home in Nigeria which has affected Farmlands and agricultural activities as the irrefutable evidence of the negative impact of Climate Change on planet earth and affecting every inhabited region of the world. And of equal significance to NACCIMA as a business management organization are the implications on business operations, industry and the economy.”
He pointed out the need for a sustainable development pattern, stressing that Nigeria’s National Policy on Environment and Plan Action, especially the National Policy on Climate Change and its mission and strategic objective must take note of the recommended policy action as contained in the 2021 Climate Change Report.
Udeagbala recommended that whatever strategic and sectoral policy action that will be taken, SMEs which are the bedrock of the economy must be factored in, and supported especially under the Climate Support Fund.
“This is to encourage them to mainstream sustainable development and climate supportive action in their operation in the concerted effort by all to reduce carbon emission and in the firm belief that Climate Change is and must be a business of all,” he stressed.
He said, “Considering Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP), NACCIMA will take a close quick look at the latest Climate Change Report and encourage Chambers and businesses across the country to be guided by the recommendations in the Report.”
