The President of Nigeria, Umaru Yar’Adua, and British Council Chair Neil Kinnock recently had a series of meetings in Nigeria and agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on climate change.

Peter Upton, regional director of the British Council in Nigeria, says the MOU has been agreed in principle to raise awareness in Nigeria of climate change and to look for sustainable solutions. ‘The President is aware of the problems arising from climate change and has seen the impact on water supply, cities and food directly.’

According to the press release marking this agreement, the memorandum will focus on raising awareness, modelling good practice and developing a common agenda. It is the first government MOU on climate change in sub-Saharan Africa and will provide an important focus for future activity.

Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by climate change. It is estimated that this country will suffer most in the future as it is one of the largest oil distributors in the world. It already contributes to global warming more than any other country through its gas flaring.

Upton says climate change has already had an impact in Nigeria and across the sub-Saharan region. ‘We can see it in changing rainfall patterns, water stress, desertification and pressure on the cities.’

He firmly believes that there are solutions that can and should be shared.

‘If we are to move away from our current high energy dependency then we need to think creatively, embrace change and invest in new technologies that will be carbon neutral. It’s all “doable” but requires imagination, investment and political will.

‘I think it’s not only Africans who need to be more aware,’ adds Upton. ‘Much of the developed world has to accept that we can’t go on like this.

‘There is a common problem of understanding and a tendency to blame and wait for someone else to solve the problem – and we hope that it won’t be too late.’

Upton has some suggestions. ‘We must learn to listen to the issues, see what is happening around us, and take personal responsibility because we can all make a difference, even if it means lobbying our local politicians.’

Asked what it means to him to have met Lord Kinnock and the Nigerian President, Upton says, ‘It was hugely enjoyable to meet with the President and to be able to get the tangible results that will further deepen our work. I am particularly pleased that we are able to secure the MOU as I am sure that this will set an important benchmark.’

The memorandum of understanding will be signed in October this year. For more information about this MOU please contact Peter Upton. If you want to read more news please visit our News in Africa section. Want to know what events are coming up please visit our events page.