Customs harps on sustainable trade practices

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B Kaduna has underscored the importance of promoting sustainable trade practices, renewable energy initiatives and combating wildlife trafficking as integral strategies for climate change mitigation.

The Comptroller of the unit, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, during a three-day retreat in Kaduna, pointed out the challenges facing climate change mitigation efforts in Nigeria, including inadequate policy and legislation.

Others are lack of institutional coordination, dependence on fossil fuels, high poverty levels, deforestation, limited public awareness and education on climate change, among others.

The retreat held at the Division National Teachers Institute (NTI), was organised by the NCS unit as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with Red Cross Kaduna North with the theme: “Youth Involvement in Tackling Climate Change in Our Community.”

Shuaibu, who presented a paper, detailed the crucial role of the NCS in mitigating climate change in the country and its commitment to environmental sustainability as well as dedication to contributing to the nation’s climate change mitigation strategies.

He highlighted the service’s position as a signatory to several multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to combat the global climate crisis.

Shuaibu drew attention to the severe impacts of climate change on Nigeria’s ecosystem, economy and society, such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and an increased frequency of extreme weather events.