Contributed By: A.A. Akejelu Esq.
INTRODUCTION
Nigeria’s Blue Economy represents a vital component of the nation’s economic and environmental landscape. This concept encompasses the sustainable and responsible use of aquatic resources, including its vast coastline, rivers, and offshore resources. The country’s extensive maritime domain offers opportunities for fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, and offshore oil and gas operations, all of which contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. However, the sustainability of these sectors is increasingly threatened by climate change.
This article will examine the climate change impact on Nigeria’s Blue Economy, policies for climate change resilience, as well as the mitigation measures for climate change in Nigeria’s Blue economy.
CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY
The blue economy plays a vital role in the nation’s economic development; however, the blue economy is facing numerous challenges due to the impact of climate change.
Firstly, rising sea temperatures have resulted in significant changes in marine ecosystems. The Nigerian coastline, spanning over 853 kilometres, is home to diverse marine species and coral reefs[1]. However, increased water temperatures have led to the bleaching and eventual death of corals, resulting in the loss of critical habitat for marine organisms. This loss of biodiversity has severe implications for the fishing industry, as many species rely on these reefs for food and breeding grounds.
Secondly, climate change has brought about alterations in ocean currents and precipitation patterns, which are adversely affecting the productivity of Nigerian waters. The blue economy relies heavily on the abundance of fish stocks, and these stocks are significantly influenced by oceanographic conditions. Disruptions in ocean currents are causing fish migration patterns to become unpredictable, posing challenges for fishermen and resulting in reduced catches. Furthermore, the shifting rainfall patterns are impacting the freshwater inflow into rivers and estuaries, which in turn affects the breeding and survival of fish species that depend on these habitats.
Additionally, Nigeria is experiencing a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as storms, and floods. These events have devastating consequences for coastal communities and infrastructure, including community displacement, property loss, and disruptions to economic activities. Coastal erosion caused by these events further degrades the resilience of the blue economy, rendering coastal areas vulnerable to future climate impacts[2].
The rising acidity levels in the oceans, a phenomenon referred to as ocean acidification, represent a significant concern for Nigeria’s blue economy. This phenomenon is driven by increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which are absorbed by seawater, causing it to become more acidic. This acidification has detrimental effects on the development and viability of marine life, such as shellfish, crustaceans, and other organisms that rely on calcium carbonate structures. The diminishing populations of these marine species pose a potential threat to Nigeria’s aquaculture sector, jeopardizing both economic prosperity and food security.
Overall, current climate change impacts on Nigeria’s blue economy are multifaceted and pose significant challenges to the sustainability of ocean-based industries[3]. The effects range from loss of biodiversity and reduced fish stocks to extreme weather events and ocean acidification. Urgent action is required to develop and implement adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of Nigeria’s blue economy in the face of climate change.
Policy and Governance Frameworks for Climate Change Resilience in Nigeria’s Blue Economy
Effective policy and governance frameworks are crucial for building climate change resilience in Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
- Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act 2007:
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act plays a crucial role in enhancing climate change resilience within Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Climate change poses a significant threat to these sectors, and NIMASA, as the agency responsible for regulating and promoting safety and maritime activities, can contribute to resilience by developing and enforcing regulations within Nigeria’s maritime sector. This includes regulations related to environmental protection, safety standards, and climate change mitigation measures for vessels and offshore operations. By implementing and enforcing climate-resilient regulations, NIMASA can help reduce the environmental impact of maritime activities and promote sustainable practices. Section 22(1) of the Act[4] saddled the Agency with the responsibility of carrying out these activities in pursuit of her statutory functions.
- National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) Act:
The NOSDRA[5] in Nigeria plays a crucial role in enhancing climate change resilience in the country’s Blue Economy by addressing and mitigating the environmental impacts of oil spills and related activities.
NOSDRA is responsible for ensuring that oil and gas industry activities are conducted with a focus on environmental protection. By enforcing regulations and standards, NOSDRA helps prevent oil spills and ensures that oil companies have contingency plans in place to respond quickly in case of accidents, reducing the risk of environmental damage that can exacerbate climate change effects. The NOSDRA is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the implementation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP) which also incorporates the National Oil Spill Contingency System (NOSCS) for Nigeria, in compliance with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990), to which Nigeria is a signatory. National Oil Spill Contingency System (NOSCS) is a harmonization of all relevant regulations, organizations, personnel, procedures, facilities, equipment, and logistical support to respond to a spill, reduce the negative impact and manage all related issues.
Mitigation Measures for Climate Change in Nigeria’s Blue Economy
Mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria’s blue economy is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of this sector. The blue economy encompasses various marine and aquatic resources such as fisheries, coastal tourism, and offshore oil and gas exploration, all of which are affected by climate change. To effectively mitigate these impacts, a range of measures need to be implemented.
- Firstly, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is fundamental to mitigating climate change in the blue economy. Nigeria must take steps to reduce the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) by transitioning towards cleaner energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This could be achieved through the promotion of renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind power, as well as the implementation of energy efficiency measures.
- Furthermore, sustainable fisheries management practices are essential for mitigating climate change impacts on Nigeria’s fish stocks. Overfishing not only depletes fish populations but also disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems. Implementing and enforcing regulations that limit fishing efforts, protect key breeding grounds, and promote responsible fishing practices can help restore fish populations and enhance their resilience to climate change[6].
- Additionally, the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and coral reefs, play a critical role in mitigating climate change impacts in the blue economy. These ecosystems act as natural buffers against storm surges and sea-level rise while also sequestering carbon dioxide. Implementing measures to protect and restore these ecosystems, including strict regulations on land use and development, is vital for their preservation and effective climate change mitigation. [7]
- Investing in research and monitoring programs is also crucial for effective climate change mitigation in Nigeria’s blue economy. These programs can enhance understanding of the impacts of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as inform the development of adaptive strategies. Furthermore, they can help identify emerging threats and support the implementation of timely mitigation measures.
Addressing the climate change impacts on Nigeria’s blue economy requires a multifaceted approach. This approach should encompass reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable fisheries management, conservation of coastal ecosystems, investment in research and monitoring, and promoting public awareness[8]. Furthermore, engaging stakeholders, including local communities, fisherfolk, and industry players, is vital in building a collective understanding of the risks posed by climate change and the importance of mitigation measures. By implementing these measures, we not only enhance the resilience of the blue economy but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and well-being of Nigeria’s coastal communities and ecosystems[9].
Conclusion
The outlook for enhancing climate change resilience in Nigeria’s Blue Economy requires the implementation of strategic measures. These measures should focus on building resilience, adaptability, and sustainability within the sector. It is crucial to develop innovative approaches that address the specific challenges posed by climate change, such as rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and ocean acidification. This can be achieved through the application of technologies that promote sustainable practices, the establishment of comprehensive monitoring and early warning systems, and the implementation of adaptive management strategies. Additionally, fostering international collaborations and partnerships can further support the development of climate change resilient initiatives in Nigeria’s Blue Economy. It is imperative to prioritize the integration of climate change resilience into policy and governance frameworks, ensuring the long-term sustainability and viability of the Blue Economy in the face of climate change impact.
- Maia, S., Marques, S.C., Dupont, S., Neves, M. et al. 2022. “Effects of Ocean Acidification and Warming on the Development and Biochemical Responses of Juvenile Shrimp Palaemon Elegans (Rathke, 1837).” Marine Environmental Research. Elsevier. Accessible at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141113622000253 ↑
- David, EO, and VN Odenigbo. “IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADULT EDUCATION IN NIGERIA.” funaifeduj.org.ng. Accessible at https://www.funaifeduj.org.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Impact-of-Climate-Change-and-Environmental-Adult-Education-in-Nigeria.pdf ↑
- Iyiola, AO, B Asiedu, and EO Oyewole. “Impacts of Climate Change on Aquatic Biodiversity in Africa.” In Biodiversity in Africa, 2022. Springer. Accessible at https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-19-3326-4_14 ↑
- NIMASA Act 2007 ↑
- Act 15. 2006 ↑
- Friess, DA, Chen, L, Cormier, N, Krauss, KW. “Mangrove Forests and Climate Change: Impacts and Interactions 2023”. Accessible at https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781003126096-22/mangrove-forests-climate-change-daniel-friess-luzhen-chen-nicole-cormier-ken-krauss-catherine-lovelock-jacqueline-raw-kerrylee-rogers-neil-saintilan-frida-sidik ↑
- Ibid ↑
- Bryndum-Buchholz, A., Tittensor, D.P., et al. 2021. “The status of climate change adaptation in fisheries management: Policy, legislation and implementation.” Fish and Fisheries. Accessible at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12586 ↑
- Okoh, AS, and E Okpanachi. “Transcending Energy Transition Complexities in Building a Carbon-Neutral Economy: The Case of Nigeria.” Cleaner Energy Systems, 2023. Elsevier. Accessible at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772783123000195 ↑
