Evaluating the Nigerian Government’s financial obligations to climate change adaptation strategies

Abstract

There is ample evidence in the literature that developing countries would suffer the most from the adverse effects of climate change. Although, respective developing economies have dedicated action plans to mitigate or adapt to these adverse effects, financing for these strategies may be lacking or national governments may not commit financial resources to actualizing these strategies. Using a Budget Analysis and Climate Budget Tagging framework, the paper evaluates the financial resources the Nigerian government has committed to its adaptation strategies as stipulated in the 2011 National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change (NASPA – CCN). The study found out among others that, government expenditure on climate change tends to be more of mitigation than adaptation. In addition, adaptation programs targeted at the industry, commerce, telecommunications and transport sector are most neglected among other sectors highlighted as priority sectors in the NASPA – CCN policy. Lastly, we did not find any substantial evidence to support the argument for progressive achievements in financial resources allocated to adaptation programs in the budget. We recommended the need for simultaneously priorities both mitigation and adaptation programs, inculcate adaptation programs in future development plans and leaning towards international financing options during recessions and periods of low revenues.