The Federal Government has raised concerns over the growing impact of climate change on Nigeria, warning that rising temperatures, environmental degradation and extreme weather conditions now pose serious threats to food security, livelihoods and national security.
The Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, made this known during a climate dialogue organised for secondary school students in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.
Represented by Principal Scientific Officer, Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, Abiola-Awe described climate change as the greatest challenge facing the current generation, noting that its effects extend beyond the environment to agriculture, healthcare, water resources and economic development.
She explained that although Nigeria contributes only a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters such as flooding, drought, desertification and irregular rainfall patterns.
According to her, climate change presents not only challenges but also opportunities for innovation, sustainable development and economic transformation.
Abiola-Awe reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent unconditionally and 52 per cent with international support by 2030, while pursuing a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
She highlighted several government initiatives aimed at addressing climate challenges, including the Climate Change Act 2021, the Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Initiative and the National Adaptation Plan.
Addressing the students, she encouraged young Nigerians to take an active role in climate action and environmental protection.
“You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are agents of change today. Your ideas, energy and creativity are essential to building a sustainable future,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, said the programme was organised to create awareness about environmental challenges and encourage young people to participate in finding solutions.
She noted that the effects of climate change are already evident across Nigeria through rising temperatures, flooding, drought and changing rainfall patterns.
Ohajinwa explained that these environmental changes are contributing to food shortages, rising food prices and conflicts between farmers and herders, as agricultural activities continue to be disrupted.
“The people who should be producing food are being displaced from their communities, and this is contributing to inflation and food insecurity across the country,” she said.
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She added that this year’s programme adopted a dialogue format rather than a debate to encourage learning, collaboration and practical discussions on climate solutions.
According to her, the initiative is designed not only to improve environmental awareness but also to help students understand the connection between climate change, public health, food systems and everyday life.
Ohajinwa also urged Nigerians to adopt responsible environmental practices, stressing that human activities remain a major contributor to environmental degradation.
The event brought together students, environmental experts and government officials to discuss climate change and its growing impact on Nigeria, as part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Environment Day.
Experts at the programme agreed that urgent action is needed to address climate challenges, warning that failure to act could worsen food insecurity, economic hardship and displacement across the country.
