Nigeria faces significant challenges from climate change, making climate-resilient infrastructure essential to address rising sea levels, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events. To address these issues and ensure long-term sustainability, the Nigerian government has initiated several programs aimed at promoting climate-resilient infrastructure development.
1. The Nigeria Climate Change Policy and Response Strategy (NCCPRS)
The NCCPRS is a comprehensive framework designed to guide Nigeria’s efforts toward mitigating and adapting to climate change. It emphasises the development of infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as:
- Flood-resistant road networks.
- Climate-adaptive housing.
- Renewable energy systems.
This policy integrates climate resilience into national planning and encourages private and public sector collaboration.
2. Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP)
“Combating Erosion with Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Solutions”
NEWMAP, supported by the World Bank, addresses land degradation and flooding issues in Nigeria. The program focuses on:
- Stabilizing degraded land through reforestation and erosion control structures.
- Developing resilient drainage systems to prevent urban flooding.
- Empowering communities to adopt sustainable land use practices.
NEWMAP has significantly improved infrastructure resilience in states like Anambra, Imo, and Delta.
3. Presidential Initiative on Renewable Energy (PIRE)
PIRE focuses on expanding Nigeria’s renewable energy capacity to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve resilience to power supply disruptions caused by extreme weather.
Key initiatives include:
- Developing solar mini-grids for rural areas.
- Incentivizing private investment in wind and solar farms.
- Supporting research into innovative energy solutions for climate adaptation.
By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring stable energy access, PIRE contributes to both mitigation and adaptation goals.
