Climate experts are urging Nigerian policymakers to ensure women and children have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s response to climate change.
This call was made during discussions at the ongoing Nigeria Climate Change Forum in Abuja.
Although Africa produces just four per cent of the world’s carbon emissions, many of its critical sectors—including agriculture, tourism, trade, and infrastructure—are increasingly vulnerable to climate-related disruptions. While progress has been made through climate finance, carbon markets, and policy reforms, experts stress the need for broader participation in decision-making.
Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, introduced in August 2022, is considered a key strategy for achieving the country’s net-zero emissions target set in 2016. However, despite this commitment to a greener future, concerns remain that women and children—who bear the brunt of climate change impacts—are often excluded from the conversation.
Speakers at the forum highlighted the urgency of ensuring that all segments of society are actively involved in addressing climate challenges. They emphasised the importance of adaptation, mitigation, and climate justice, particularly through a gender-sensitive approach.
“I think what we need to emphasise the most is that climate change is real and it’s happening all around us every single day and we as people as a country and as individuals need to do everything and we all need to have our hands on deck to ensure that we do our little parts to bring the positive change to our environment and our climate as a country,” Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, noted that while Africa faces the greatest climate risks, women and children are the most exposed yet remain underrepresented in policy discussions.
“While the African continent is the most affected, women and children are the most exposed to climate issues, but in the conversation, they are left out.
“It’s very important that we look at, you know, adaptation, mitigation, you know, accelerating even climate justice and the transition with the gender lens,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
Arash Tehrani, Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, reaffirmed the global need for cooperation in tackling climate change. He stressed that today’s choices will determine the future, urging nations to align sustainability with gender equality and economic growth.
“Together Nigeria, Canada and the global community can turn climate challenges into opportunities. Let us commit to a future where prosperity, sustainability and gender equality go hand in hand.
“The time for action is now. The choices being made today will define the legacy we leave for future generations,” he said.
Stakeholders at the forum agreed that achieving long-term environmental solutions requires a commitment to fairness and inclusivity in climate action.
