Nigeria to Develop Nations Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy – Voice of Nigeria

Report on the Development of Nigeria’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy

Introduction

The Federal Ministry of Environment has reaffirmed its dedication to the development of Nigeria’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy. This policy aims to safeguard the country’s coastlines for future generations through a sustainable, actionable framework aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Stakeholders Consultative Workshop

The Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on the Development of the ICZM Policy and Action Plan was held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The event brought together policymakers, planners, researchers, and private sector actors to collaborate on this critical initiative.

Key Statements and Commitments

1. Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment
   Mr. Mahmud Kambari, represented by Mr. Kunle Awojemila (Deputy Director, Department of Erosion Flood and Coastal Zone Management), emphasized the importance of transforming the policy into reality. He urged stakeholders to view the workshop as a platform for collaborative action rather than mere dialogue.
   • The policy will be “owned by all, guided by evidence,” and will prioritize vulnerable populations in planning and implementation.
   • The ICZM Policy represents a transformative step towards a structured, inclusive, and resilient approach to managing coastal and marine ecosystems.
   • It aims to harmonize competing interests along the coastlines, balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth, and enhancing community adaptive capacities to climate vulnerabilities.
2. Director, Department of Erosion Flood and Coastal Zone Management
   Mr. Usman Bokani highlighted the workshop as a milestone in addressing challenges such as erosion, flooding, pollution, and climate change impacting Nigeria’s coastal zones.
   • The ICZM policy is crucial for long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems and improving livelihoods of coastal communities.
   • He expressed confidence that collaborative and informed decision-making will lead to effective solutions.
3. Commissioner, Delta State Ministry of Environment
   Represented by Ms. Onokurhefe Judith, the Commissioner stressed that the ICZM policy will enable coordination among government agencies, civil society, and local communities.
   • The goal is to improve the quality of life for citizens dependent on coastal resources, promote economic development, and sustain livelihoods.
   • Challenges such as erosion, flooding, pollution (including oil spills and plastic waste), and climate change require an integrated management approach.
4. Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources
   Represented by Mrs. Iquo Abia, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting coastal zones and collaborating on the ICZM policy.
   • Focus areas include enhancing coastal resilience, promoting sustainable livelihoods, protecting biodiversity, and fostering community engagement.
   • The collaborative effort aims to preserve natural heritage for future generations.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Strengthening adaptive capacities of coastal communities to climate change and extreme weather events.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Promoting sustainable use and conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems within coastal zones.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Enhancing livelihoods and economic opportunities for coastal populations.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Ensuring resilient infrastructure and inclusive planning for coastal settlements.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Encouraging multi-stakeholder collaboration for policy development and implementation.

Conclusion

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy provides a comprehensive framework to harmonize environmental sustainability with economic growth along Nigeria’s coastlines. It emphasizes inclusive governance, evidence-based planning, and prioritization of vulnerable communities. The policy aligns closely with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to foster resilience, protect ecosystems, and improve livelihoods in coastal regions. Continued stakeholder engagement and collaborative action remain critical to the successful realization of this transformative initiative.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article discusses climate vulnerabilities, sea-level rise, and the need for adaptive capacities in coastal communities.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water – Focus on managing coastal and marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and addressing pollution in coastal zones.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – Protection of coastal ecosystems and biodiversity is emphasized.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights improving the quality of life for citizens dependent on coastal resources and managing urban coastal zones sustainably.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty – Promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth for coastal communities.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Emphasis on collaboration among government agencies, civil societies, private actors, and local communities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 13 – Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
2. SDG 14 – Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.1: Reduce marine pollution, including from land-based activities such as plastic waste.
3. SDG 15 – Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
4. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including water-related disasters.
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
5. SDG 1 – No Poverty
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, particularly the poor and vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources and access to basic services.
6. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Number of coastal communities with strengthened adaptive capacities to climate hazards.
   • Incidence of coastal flooding and erosion events.
2. Indicators related to SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
   • Levels of marine pollution, including plastic and oil spills in coastal zones.
   • Extent of coastal and marine ecosystems under sustainable management.
3. Indicators related to SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Area of coastal ecosystems conserved or restored.
4. Indicators related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Number of people affected by coastal disasters such as flooding and erosion.
   • Quality of waste management in coastal urban areas.
5. Indicators related to SDG 1 (No Poverty):
   • Proportion of coastal population with access to sustainable livelihoods and economic resources.
6. Indicators related to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Number and effectiveness of multi-stakeholder partnerships for coastal zone management.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: von.gov.ng