The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ide John Udeagbala, has called for urgent action by government and other stakeholders towards 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.
In a statement, the NACCIMA boss cited floods and fires that have been raging in Europe, Asia, Canada, the US and other places as well as 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 which affects every inhabited region of the world.
“ 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 and will intensify in years to come. And of equal significance to NACCIMA as a business management organization are the implications on business operations, industry and the economy.” He said.
Drawing attention to the need for a sustainable development pattern, the NACCIMA National President said 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.
He recommended that SMEs, which are the bedrock of the economy must be factored in, and supported especially in any strategic sectoral policy action that will be taken, 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.”
Udeagbala said NACCIMA, against the background of the environmental sustainability session in its Medium Term Strategic Plan (MTSP), will take a close look at the latest Climate Change Report and encourage Chambers and businesses across the country to be guided by the recommendations in the Report.
