Nigeria has officially validated its National Adaptation Plan (NAP), a significant milestone aimed at attracting critical funding, both local and international, for addressing the impacts of climate change, particularly in the area of adaptation.
The NAP document serves as a strategic blueprint to build national resilience against the growing threats posed by climate change.
Speaking at the High-Level Validation Workshop held in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, emphasised that the workshop comes at a crucial time as Nigeria intensifies efforts to transition towards a greener economy.
“It is expected that discussions and issues raised at this meeting would go a long way in shaping and enriching the NAP document for ease of implementation by stakeholders,” the minister stated.
He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to ensure the finalised document is comprehensive and effective in guiding national adaptation efforts.
“I encourage you all to make further contributions and inputs that would lead to having a comprehensive and robust document that would aid our march towards a cleaner and healthier environment. On this note, I hereby formally declare the workshop open.
“The NAP, which is being developed with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), builds on 13 thematic areas previously identified in Nigeria’s National Adaptation Strategy & Plan of Action (NASPA). A key component of the NAP process is the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which identifies vulnerable communities and proposes adaptation options. These options were subjected to an economic appraisal to weigh the consequences of action versus inaction.”
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s acute vulnerability to climate change, including drought, desertification, sea-level rise, coastal inundation, and frequent flooding.
“These hazards have severe implications for food security, public health, and infrastructure, leading to loss of lives and property.
“The challenges of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. If drastic and decisive actions are not taken now, coping with these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly,” he warned.
He further stressed that addressing climate change remains a top priority for the current administration.
“Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits the country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 47%, conditional on international support. The NDC also aligns with the adaptation strategies outlined in the NAP.”
“Adapting to climate change means taking action to prepare for and adjust to both the current effects and the predicted impacts in the future,” the minister added.
Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, stressed the urgent need to integrate adaptation strategies into all aspects of governance and planning.
“Adaptation is essential so that we can adjust our systems and operations to the effects of climate change without disrupting our daily activities,” Dr Abiola-Awe said.
She explained that the National Adaptation Plans, currently being developed, aim to identify medium- and long-term climate adaptation needs and outline strategies to address them through a participatory and transparent process.
Task Manager at UNEP Nigeria, Mr Gift Gewona, highlighted the importance of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) as a living document that enables Nigeria to strategically plan short-, medium-, and long-term activities aimed at strengthening community resilience against escalating climate challenges.
“We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this critical process. Our focus now is to ensure the implementation of the plan to mobilise financing from the Global Climate Fund,” said Gewona.
Gewona noted that the process addresses Nigeria’s serious climate challenges, guided by climate projections.
A representative from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Gerald Njume, outlined Nigeria’s next steps, including developing a comprehensive adaptation finance strategy and implementation plan with risk identification and mitigation measures.
He also highlighted the need for feasibility assessments of priority projects, securing funding, selecting execution partners, and beginning project implementation with progress tracking.
“Nigeria must conduct feasibility assessments for priority projects, secure funding, identify key execution partners, and commence project implementation with diligent progress tracking,” he noted.
AfDB further recommended translating the NAP into Nigeria’s Climate Adaptation Country Compact.
“This compact aims to mobilise high-level political commitments and scale up resources from development partners and the private sector to meet Nigeria’s extensive adaptation needs. It will enhance adaptation investments aligned with Nigeria’s specific needs and existing plans, such as the NDC 3.0.” He said.
UN Women, represented by programme specialist Osemhenjie Osalobo, says UN Women remains committed to supporting the government of Nigeria and all partners in this journey.
“I therefore call on all ministries, departments, and agencies represented here today to ensure that the NAP’s gender-responsive provisions are operationalised through targeted investments, gender-sensitive data, and the active participation of women and youth in adaptation planning, budgeting, and monitoring,” he said.
Ms Awele Ikobi-Anyali, Director Legal representing the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring the NAP is well-coordinated, measurable, and aligned with Nigeria’s national priorities.
“The NCCC pledges to transform the NAP into a living instrument that drives investment, innovation, and resilience-building across communities,” she affirmed.
She explained that this collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable climate adaptation, ensuring that vulnerable communities are better equipped to face the realities of climate change.
The Draft National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Nigeria is led by the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The validated NAP is expected to serve as a crucial tool for mobilising resources and guiding coordinated adaptation efforts across sectors and regions in Nigeria.