The Nigerian State and Management of Climate Change 2015/2024

In recent times, Nigeria has grappled with climate-related issues resulting in the loss of lives and property. This is evident in the 2022 floods that affected many parts of the country, displacing over 1.4 million people, killing more than 603 individuals, injuring over 2,400 others, and damaging approximately 82,035 houses. At the same time, the country faces worsening drought due to irregular rainfall patterns, exacerbating its desertification crisis. At present, Nigeria loses about 350 hectares of land annually to desertification. Despite these environmental disasters, the state’s ability to manage climate events has been called into question. Although Nigeria has introduced policies such as the National Policy on Climate Change (NPCC) and the Climate Change Act, the scourge of climate change continues to grow. To interrogate these issues, the following research questions guided the study: (1) Has the ineffective implementation of the NPCC contributed to increased desertification and flooding in Nigeria? (2) Has the enactment of Nigeria’s Climate Change Act reduced greenhouse gas emissions? To answer these questions, the study adopts an institutional theory framework and employs an ex-post facto research design, utilizing documentary data collection and content analysis methods. Findings reveal that weak enforcement by regulatory bodies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), coupled with ineffective early warning systems, has worsened desertification and flooding. Additionally, while some efforts to reduce methane emissions have been made, Nigeria’s continued reliance on fossil fuels and inadequate climate funding have hindered meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study recommends strengthening enforcement mechanisms, ensuring consistent funding for climate programs, and fostering policy coherence to enhance climate resilience in Nigeria. These measures are critical to achieving the environmental and economic stability necessary for sustainable development.