Nigeria to focus efforts on tackling short-lived pollutants

By Noimot Olayiwola/Staff ReporterNigeria, which is the 12th largest producer of petroleum in the world, has demonstrated its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases by joining the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) that was launched in February this year.The CCAC is the first global effort to treat short-lived climate pollutants – such as black carbon (or soot), methane and many hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Nigeria faces a number of environmental and health challenges originating from the daily activities of most of its citizens, who have to depend on firewood to cook their meals and use petrol or diesel powered generators for their electricity.All these activities are part of the triggers for climate change and global warming.Poverty and lack of basic life amenities are also wide spread as majority of the country’s over 150mn live below the poverty line.Speaking to the Gulf Times yesterday about the significance of joining the coalition on the sideline of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP18-CMP8) here, the Nigeria Minister of Environment Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia said that the country was poised to promote the efforts of the CCAC by targeting in the country sources of short-lived climate pollutants emanating from the wide-spread use of fire wood as fuel.“We are making significant progress in tackling SLCPs across the country…you know we have a lot of pollution, especially due to our day-to-day activities like using firewood and coal as fuel for cooking,” she said.Mailafia mentioned that her ministry is liaising with the ministries of petroleum and agriculture to fight emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases.“We have taken up a number of initiatives to curb our emissions, starting at the community level by supplying clean cooking stoves to a number of Nigerian women in four states including Adamawa, Borno and Cross River States. Already, about one million women have registered under the scheme,” she said adding that the ministry is working with a number of local women non-governmental organisations on the project.The minister also mentioned that there is an ongoing climate change initiative with a university in Cross Rivers State, Nigeria.Mailafia made reference to Lagos State which has pioneered initiatives that are already targeting reducing greenhouse gases saying: “Lagos is making credits in terms of carbon capture and storage and we are trying to see that other States in the country follow suit.”The official maintained that by joining the CCAC, the interests of Nigeria will be adequately protected in the whole scenario of emission reduction.The CCAC is government-led and has country partners playing a central role in deciding on, and supporting its activities. By joining the CCAC, country partners have committed to mitigating short-lived climate pollutants in their own countries, helping others take similar actions and to actively participate in the work of the coalition.