Emma Okonji
In a recent symposium held in Lagos, industry stakeholders emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to have its heritage recognized and represented in climate and environmental policies. With the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22, they believe it’s crucial for the Nigerian government to address the representation of heritage in its climate change strategies.
The event, titled “Nigeria Heritage in the Time of Climate Change,” was organized by researcher Olufemi Adetunji, who is also a member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). Stakeholders expressed their desire for heritage professionals to engage actively in planning and implementing climate change initiatives, advocating for their inclusion in COP29 to ensure heritage considerations are factored into Nigeria’s climate policies.
“I organized this program to create a platform for organizations and professionals focused on the conservation and protection of Nigeria’s heritage to network, collaborate, and share ideas,” Adetunji explained. “Our goal is not just to protect tangible and intangible heritage, but to leverage their significance within our communities to foster social, economic, and environmental empowerment across Nigeria.”
Biodun Ajiboye, the CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), discussed the far-reaching effects of climate change on Nigeria’s heritage and humanity as a whole. He highlighted how the threat of flooding has led to the migration and displacement of entire communities. To combat these issues, he suggested Nigeria utilize the ecological fund constitutionally allocated in the budget, strengthen partnerships by applying for funding from UNESCO’s World Heritage Fund and the African World Heritage Fund.
Nkechi Adedeji, the Coordinator of the National Museum, who represented the Director General, noted that the impact of global warming is visible through extreme weather conditions—such as heightened temperatures, increased rainfall, and soil erosion—which adversely affect both cultural and natural heritage. She pointed to visible damages, including cracks in existing monuments.
Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, shared initiatives being undertaken by the state, such as the development of a heritage map aimed at addressing some of these challenges. “We’ve visited Badagry, Ikorodu, and Epe, and we’re working on creating a comprehensive heritage map that will also spotlight the festivals in Lagos State,” she revealed. “The state government is committed to achieving sustainable development goals by 2030, implementing various actions to manage Lagos’s vulnerabilities as a coastal area, particularly related to flooding and other water-related disasters.”
To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on indigenous heritage, Atekoja emphasized the importance of awareness and education. She noted, “We prioritize disseminating knowledge about heritage preservation and promoting sustainable practices to encourage active participation from Lagosians in conservation efforts.”
