Climate Change: The Loose Policy Of Nigerian Government-- Emeka K. Ezemenaka

In the era of clamor for human security, climate change which is an important factor for human security through environment has been given little attention in Nigeria.  There is no gain saying that, the government have put in policies or have programs running in Nigeria in mitigating climate change effect, when there are lots of loop holes with the strategy adopted. As a matter of fact, the policies adopted for climate change in Nigeria if there is any, is permeable. However, the malignant effect of these actions is tantamount to environmental conflicts affecting the societies which pave way for other protracted problems and conflict within the country. 

Climate change is real and cannot be overemphasized. Though, these changes can be managed and worked on, but where the problem lies with the changes of climate is when there are no concrete measures to address it. The effect of climate change is a global phenomenon and this is why it is a salient issue that needs to be addressed by everyone. Global flaring and venting of petroleum–associated gas is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and airborne contaminants that has proven difficult to mitigate over the years, (Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok 2013). Without reservation, the petroleum industry in Nigeria, Africa is the largest industry and main generator of GDP in the continent's most populous nation. Nigeria is a country that plays a major role in Africa and in the world based on its natural resources ranging from Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Coal production amongst others, yet the measures adopted to clean up the mess of human effect on environment through industrialization becomes a major problem. Examples of industrialization effect which distort the ecosystem and in turn affect the climate of Nigeria is seen at the Crude Oil spillage in the Niger Delta regions in Nigeria and Gas flaring. The resultant effect of the problems caused by Oil spillage which adversely affects the climate, environment and livelihood of societies can be seen at Bayelsa and Delta communities where crude oil is produced at larger quantities. 

Schmoozing about Gas flaring which has a direct contact to the atmosphere that comprises of climate configuration, since the production of Natural gas in Nigeria in 1999, the gas is been flared continuously to the atmosphere unabated till now. Nevertheless, the majority of Nigeria's natural gas is flared off and it’s estimated that Nigeria loses 18.2 million US$ daily from the loss of the flared gas. According to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (2014), Nigeria still flares about 40% of the natural gas it produces, while official Nigerian policy is to end gas flaring completely by 2008. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria accounts for 12.5% of the world's total gas flaring and Shell estimates that about half of the 2 Bcf/d of associated gas -gaseous by-products of oil extraction is flared in Nigeria annually. The aforementioned statistics shows how climate is destroyed and forced to change its course austerely.

However, Francis Idowu Ibitoye (2014) findings on additional projects aimed at ending gas flaring activities being planned while some are at various stages of completion by government shows that existing infrastructure will not be sufficient to end gas flaring in the country. The implementation of firm planned projects in the second scenario will only reduce gas flaring to about 10% in 2040. The third scenario of additional projects ensures total elimination of gas flaring. The last two scenarios indicate that 2018 is the year when significant reduction in gas flaring can be achieved in Nigeria. Results also indicate that beyond the firm planned projects in the second scenario, proper timing and sizing of additional projects will be very critical in order to minimize stress on non-associated gas reserves. Furthermore, Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok (2013) noted that, over the past fifty years, gas flaring and venting associated with petroleum exploration and production in the Nigeria’s Niger Delta has continue to generate complex consequences in terms of energy, human health, natural environment, socio–economic environment and sustainable development. From an operational perspective, some 45.8 billion kilowatts of heat are discharged into the atmosphere of the Niger Delta from combustion of 1.8 billion cubic feet of gas every day. (Agbola, T., and T. Olurin, 2003). This process affects the atmosphere which have several consequences on the regional and global environment leading to greenhouse effect, increase in temperature or thermal gradient which causes global warming, human health problems, poor agricultural yields, acid rain or acidification of aquatic environment and alteration of ecosystem. 

Emphasis on the effect of human activities on climate change cannot be overemphasized but allowing the problems of climate change to overwhelm us as humans is the choice we make. Nigerian government is fond of acting after envisaged problems/disaster rather than employing preventive measures or control. There are several options and ways to tackle climate changes which are rooted in the policies meted out by the government. At this point, it is a clear indication that the Nigerian government needs to do more in the fight against climate change and should rise up to their duties as leaders. Those in government power and who call the shots were elected for the common good of the polity and not to enrich their pockets while allowing situations or trends such as climate change go awry before acting.  Most importantly, climate change is a joint effort from everyone starting from the domestic to the industrial activities. Thus, this is a wakeup call for everyone and all hands must be on deck to address the issue of climate change. As entry point or guide in addressing the problems of climate change, the government can start by discouraging harmful practices and usage of product that destroy the climate with punitive measures.

References

Agbola, T., and T. Olurin, (2003) “Landuse and Landcover Change in the Niger Delta,” Excerpts from a Research Report presented to the Centre for Democracy and Development.

Aniefiok E. Ite and Udo J. ibok (2013). Gas Flaring and Venting Associated with Petroleum Exploration and Production in the Ngieria's Niger Delta. American Journal of Environmental Protection, pp 70-77.

Francis Idowu Ibitoye (2014). Ending Natural Gas Flaring in Nigeria's Oil Fields. Journal of Sustainable Development   ISSN 1913-9063 (Print)   ISSN 1913-9071 (Online)

NNPC (2014). Development of Nigeria’s oil industry http://www.nnpcgroup.com/nnpcbusiness/businessinformation/oilgasinnigeria/developmentoftheindustry.aspx