Climate Watch: Buhari asks governors to submit report on solutions to flooding

Despite directly impacting our communities, health and livelihood, climate-related reports usually take a back seat to dominant news beats like politics and business. Climate Watch aims to ensure you never miss important stories on climate change and actions being taken towards limiting its impact.

Here is a round-up of last week’s climate stories: 

• On Sunday, residents of Abacheke community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo state cried out to the government for intervention over the flood that has submerged houses and farmlands. Ikeji Bright, the traditional ruler of the community, said residents, mostly farmers and fishermen, have lost their homes as well as their means of livelihood. Read the full report here.

• President Muhammadu Buhari met with governors last week and promised to intervene on the issue of flood ravaging states across the country. State governors had complained to the presidency about the impact of the flooding. Buhari asked that they work alongside the minister of water resources to develop a report on possible solutions. Read more here. 

• Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra, said his government will ensure that the negative effects of the flood disaster in the state are reduced. He said the state has sent out intervention materials to various internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. He also sympathised with families of persons who were involved in the boat mishap that occurred in Ogbaru LGA of the state.

• As promised, the federal government has commenced the construction of a 2.5 megawatts (MW) solar power plant at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. In August, the federal government said it would build a solar power plant at the academy to enhance security. President Muhammadu Buhari who laid the foundation of the project said it will help to provide sustainable energy to students and staff. Find out more here.

• With COP27 fast approaching, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN climate change secretariat, says only 23 of 200 countries have submitted their updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Stiell said the response on updated climate plans is a “failing grade”, adding that if countries do not act, the climate horrors being experienced now will be minimal compared to what’s to come. Read more here.