Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has declared the state the most climate-impacted in Nigeria, stressing the urgent need for focused intervention. Bayelsa State, because of its location in the Niger Delta, is highly exposed to negative environmental changes caused by climate change. To alleviate the problem, the Governor of the State has announced that the 2021 law on climate change will be adapted to the reality of Bayelsa State.
Bayelsa State is reported to be the most affected by climate change in Nigeria due to the high degree of carbon emissions and environmental degradation. It is in this line that the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat Engages with Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri on Climate Action and Mangrove Conservation. Governor Diri emphasized the severe effects of climate change on Bayelsa’s environment and urged the delegation to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state’s mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the local government areas of Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ekeremor.
The Chief of staff, commissioner for environment has to look at these laws and bring a draft for me to approve and immediately see how we can send that to our state house of assembly , for the law making process to commence.
DOUYE DIRI, Governor of Bayelsa State – Nigeria
According to the official,his administration is ready to work closely with the Climate Change Secretariat. He also pledged to review and adapt the national Climate Change Act to better fit the state’s unique environmental challenges, ensuring that Bayelsa receives its fair share of climate-related resources and interventions.
Mangrove restoration, these are the areas we could start off with. The fact that there are no mangroves here and you can see some dead stems and tree trumps, shows that impact.As i said the time to act is now.
Nkiruka Maduekwe, CEO of NCCCS in Bayelsa State – Nigeria
The region faces significant challenges from flooding, oil exploration, and coastal erosion, making it the front line for climate change in Nigeria. To alleviate the problem, the State Governor hopes to remedy the situation by adapting the 2021 law on climate change to the reality of Bayelsa State.
