Board of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has reiterated its commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in the subregion as well as the devastation of years of insurgency.
The assertion was made in the opening remarks by Major General (Dr) Paul Chabri Tarfa (Rtd), Chairman, Governing Board of NEDC at the Management Retreat held on the 16th – 17th September 2024 at the International Conference Center, Gombe State.
“This retreat is an essential milestone for the NEDC as we come together to reflect, strategize, and set the course for the effective implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
“Our work here over the next two days will define not just the operational efficiency of the Commission but also the future well-being of millions of people who call this region home.
“As we gather, let us acknowledge the profound challenges we face: the lingering impacts of the Boko Haram insurgency, the devastating effects of climate change, and the socio-economic hardships that continue to strain the North-East.”
Paul Tarfa added, “These challenges, though daunting but surmountable if we ingeniously harness the opportunities. Achieving the set goals in the NESDMP requires us to innovate, collaborate, and implement sustainable solutions that will transform this region.
“As we reflect on the strategic intent of this retreat, let us recall that the NEDC was established with a clear mandate to rebuild, stabilise, and accelerate the development of the Northeast.
“However, the success of this mission depends on our ability to work together, harness our collective expertise, and remain focused on strategic and actionable goals. I have full confidence that the leadership gathered here today has the skills and determination to turn vision into reality,” he added.
He revealed that throughout the retreat, participants will be taking a deep dive into discussions that will sharpen the understanding of the regional context, address the governance structures, and prioritize key initiatives.
The Board Chairman urged each of the participants to participate fully, bring their insights to the table, and approach these conversations with the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose stating, “I have no doubt in my mind that the future of the Northeast depends on the outcomes of this gathering.
“The participation of the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023 is part of a concerted effort to address the multifaceted challenges facing the North East subregion”.
These challenges include: Desertification and Land Degradation as the subregion is grappling with the encroaching Sahara Desert, leading to severe land degradation, loss of arable land, and reduced agricultural productivity posing a threat to food security and the livelihoods of rural communities.
Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of droughts, resulting in water scarcity and decreased access to safe drinking water while the shrinking of Lake Chad, which is a vital water source for millions of people in the region has exacerbated the situation.
Also, Biodiversity Loss, as the North-East subregion is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, but climate change, coupled with other human-induced pressures such as deforestation and land-use change is threatening the region’s precious biodiversity.
There is Climate-Induced Displacement and Conflicts as the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods, and resource scarcity have triggered population displacement and exacerbated existing conflicts over diminishing resources hindering sustainable development efforts.
Also, Weak Institutional Capacity and Coordination which addresses climate change and environmental challenges requires robust institutional capacity, effective coordination among stakeholders, and a coherent policy framework.
However, the subregion faces gaps in these areas, hindering the implementation of comprehensive and integrated solutions which has been compounded by the residual effects of the insurgency.
The rationale for NECS 24 arises from the need to address these pressing challenges and chart a course towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
These issues were at the forefront of discussions at COP28, where nations negotiated agreements and actions aimed at combating climate change on a global scale.
The NEDC delegation gained valuable insights and strategies to tackle these issues in the North-East as the NEDC is committed to fostering sustainable development in the North-East Region of Nigeria, guided by the pillars outlined in the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
The Pillars of the Master plan include: Peaceful Society; Leadership in Agriculture; Healthy Citizens; Educated Populace; Flourishing Trade; Productive Entrepreneurs; Purposeful Infrastructure; Industrialisation;
Memorable Experiences; Protected Environment; and Institutional Schemes, Programmes and Projects.
Specifically, the Protected Environment pillar plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental challenges and promoting climate resilience.
The Protected Environment Pillar Regional 2030 Vision envisages ‘A Region where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives’.
The Pillar is categorised into several sectors, namely: Environment, Ecology, Forestry, Climate Change Mitigation, and Adaptation.
The NEDC is hosting the maiden North Eastern Climate Summit (NECS 24) to serve as a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, collaborate, and develop actionable strategies to protect the environment and build resilience against climate-related risks for the Nort-East subregion.
The role of the NEDC extends beyond immediate humanitarian relief to encompass long-term development goals, moreover, the NEDC has also been at the forefront of addressing the menace of poverty, illiteracy, and ecological problems, which are particularly acute in the region due to the adverse effects of climate change and insecurity.
The establishment of the NEDC represents a significant step towards a coordinated and effective response to the complex challenges faced by Nigeria’s North-East region.
Its comprehensive approach to development, which includes addressing the root causes of instability and environmental degradation, is crucial for the sustainable progress of the area.
NECS 24 is a strategic initiative to further the mandate of NEDC, ensuring that climate change considerations are at the forefront of the implementation of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP).
Paul Tarfa concluded stressing that, “Let us seize this opportunity to build the foundations of a prosperous and resilient Northeast. I look forward to the fruitful discussions and impactful decisions that will emerge from this retreat.”
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