Participants at the 64th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Geographers (ANG) have called for proactive environmental disaster management and stronger alignment with sustainable development goals. The hybrid conference, held from October 14 to 19 at the Federal Capital Territory College of Education, Zuba, attracted 221 attendees, including academics, professionals, and stakeholders in geography and environmental sciences.
Themed “Environmental Disaster, Risk Management, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” the event featured insightful keynote addresses and paper presentations addressing contemporary challenges in environmental risk management.
Key highlights from the conference’s communiqué, signed by Mrs. Maria Agbo, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, noted Nigeria’s increasing vulnerability to environmental disasters, such as floods and desertification. The communiqué stressed the urgent need to integrate geospatial technologies and enhance disaster preparedness strategies.
Participants called for the development of comprehensive risk management frameworks at the community and local government levels, including recommendations for early warning systems, community engagement, and disaster risk education. They also urged geographers to work closely with policymakers to ensure Nigeria’s development plans align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability and climate action.
In addressing the environmental pressures posed by rapid urbanization—such as waste management challenges and air pollution—sustainable urban planning and the creation of green spaces were recommended. The participants also advocated for increased support for geographic research and capacity-building initiatives aimed at tackling contemporary environmental issues.
The importance of collaboration between academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector was emphasized to promote multidisciplinary approaches to disaster management and sustainable development. The conference urged the government to strengthen policies that mitigate environmental degradation and disaster risks, encouraging geographers to take an active role in policy advocacy.
A highlight of the event was the investiture of 30 new Fellows, recognized for their significant contributions to geographic research and education. Participants also emphasized the urgency of climate action, calling for geography education to be incorporated into school curricula to enhance understanding of climate change.
The conference concluded with appreciation to the Local Organizing Committee and the management of FCT College of Education, Zuba, for their contributions to the event’s success.
