NEDC Hosts Climate Summit To Address Regional Challenges

As part of efforts to mitigate the impact of climate challenges on the environment, health and economy of the north-east geopolitical region, the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) has taken a significant step towards addressing the problems by hosting the North-East Climate Summit 2024 (NECS 24) in Gombe, Gombe State yesterday.

Managing director of the commission, Mohammed Goni Alkali, said the summit themed “Setting the course for sustained climate action in the North-East,” aims to explore innovative solutions, share knowledge, and build partnerships to ensure the region’s resilience and sustainability.

According to him, the summit provides a platform to tackle the challenges posed by climate change, including desertification, water scarcity, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity among others.

These effects, he pointed out, threaten not only the environment but also the economy, security, and social well-being of the region.

“The summit’s objectives include increasing awareness about natural assets, strengthening climate resilience, identifying policy and governance gaps, and setting a direction for a coordinated response to environmental challenges.”, he stated.

Alkali emphasised NEDC’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in line with the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan.

Also speaking, the chairman of the commission, Paul Tarfa, said the event serves as a crucial step towards addressing regional climate concerns and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

LEADERSHIP reports that the event brought together thought leaders, academics, experts, and stakeholders including deputy governors of Gombe, Bauchi and Yobe states who represented their governors to develop actionable strategies for tackling the region’s challenges.

In his remarks, the representative of the vice president Kashim Shettima, a special assistant to the president in the office of the vice president AliyuModibbo, commended NEDC for organising the summit saying it was timely and would help in alleviating climate challenges in the region.

Our correspondent reports that the climate summit was coming few days after the devastating flooding that ravaged Borno State, causing severe havoc.