The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) yesterday confirmed that the 2022 floods cost the country about $4.6 billion in economic losses.
Its director-general, Professor Mansour Matazu, acknowledged that the losses had a negative impact on Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP), but added that the most populous black nation was recovering from the devastation.
He made the proposal at a one-day high-level advocacy workshop on Strengthening Access to Climate Information Services for National Development and Food Security in Nigeria, organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA).
Citing a World Bank study commissioned by the Humanitarian Ministry, Mataz said the report provided a rapid assessment of the cost impact of last year’s destruction on livelihoods, agricultural land and infrastructure.
He said the authorities were working diligently in line with the current administration’s policies on achieving food security, sustainability and availability.
Describing climate change as a serious challenge, the NiMet chief said there is a wealth of evidence in the country.
In his remarks, HEDA Executive Director Sulaimon Aligbabu blamed the lack of access to climate information services for the losses suffered by farmers.
He said the country’s food crisis and insecurity are caused by resource constraints caused by climate change.
he said: “Remember last year there were massive floods in Nigeria. What many people didn’t know is that something close to that happened this year, and while it may not be as negative as last year, This is an added stress for us, especially our food producing communities, because the effects of flooding are still felt in our communities.”
Source: guardian.ng