Climate technology expert and data scientist at Golden Viosam, Okes Imoni, has urged the Federal Government and other environmental stakeholders to double their efforts towards protecting the environment and addressing climate change challenges facing the country.
The co-founder of Poca Techhub, stated this on Friday, while reacting to the recent devastating flooding in Niger State that claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed properties.
She noted that though the Nigerian government has taken some commendable actions towards climate and environmental sustainability, such as signing the Paris Agreement and launching National Adaptation Plans, she argued that the implementation of such policies has fallen short of their original intentions.
She noted further that funding for climate projects in the country is low compared to the scale of risks faced, and that monitoring and enforcing environmental policies remain weak.
On the other hand, she added that though there are advances in renewable energy projects and flood control efforts, they are not at the scale required, pointing out that the government can do better by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for real-time monitoring of climate and health risks.
“Overall, I would rate the government’s performance as fair, but it needs stronger execution and innovative technology integration,” she said.
In light of this, she emphasised that Nigeria needs a comprehensive suite of tools, such as satellite remote sensing combined with AI for real-time environmental monitoring.
Imoni urged the government to put in place ML algorithms that can predict climate patterns, disease outbreaks, and optimise resource allocation. She also advocated for the effective use of solar power and smart grids that can expand clean energy access, as well as AI-driven crop modelling that is vital for food security to address climate challenges in the country.
The public health expert stressed that climate change is directly linked to multiple health issues, with long-term rising temperatures expanding the range of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, while flooding from extreme weather events increases outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea.
Imoni also noted air pollution, fueled by fossil fuel combustion and industrial emissions, worsens respiratory illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while heat waves elevate risks of heatstroke and cardiovascular complications.
“Public awareness campaigns and stricter environmental regulations are vital. Ultimately, combining data-driven technologies with strong policy frameworks ensures a more resilient public health system against climate impacts,” she said.
Speaking on how to balance industrial activities that degrade the climate and public health for economic purposes and causes that promote environmental safety and a green future, she opined that shifting industries towards renewable energy and green technologies can mitigate emissions and that encouraging electric vehicles and efficient public transport systems will reduce air pollution
“AI and ML can optimise industrial processes to reduce waste and energy consumption. Offering incentives to businesses to adopt sustainable practices and introducing strict emissions standards can align economic activity with climate and public health goals,” she said.
Imoni stressed that Nigerian citizens have a critical role to play in protecting the climate. She said that individual actions like reducing waste, using public transport, and conserving energy can collectively drive significant change.
“Citizens should also advocate for stronger climate policies. Public participation in community-driven environmental initiatives, like tree planting or recycling programmes, fosters grassroots climate resilience,” she said.
Furthermore, she said that researchers and universities are central to climate and environmental innovations, adding that their work bridges the gap between technology and on-ground action, essential for Nigeria’s climate resilience.
She advised that while training future climate scientists, data analysts, and policymakers, universities should also drive public education and awareness, conduct critical research, and offer practical solutions to climate problems by collaborating with industries and governments.
