The federal government has declared that climate action is no longer optional but an imperative for Nigeria’s sustainable development, warning that the country faces increasing threats from flooding, desertification, rising temperatures and other climate-related challenges.
The director, Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, stated this at the 2026 World Environment Day commemoration held in Abuja.
The event, themed “The Climate of Our Cities: Urbanisation, Creativity and Climate Resilience in Nigeria,” was organised by the Yar’Adua Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, YouthHub Africa, TechHer and the Centre for Climate Action Innovation and Engagement.
Abiola-Awe said climate change remained one of the greatest threats to sustainable development globally, with developing countries such as Nigeria particularly vulnerable due to rapid population growth, urbanisation and infrastructure deficits.
He said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises that climate action is not optional; it is an imperative for national development.
Through the Climate Change Act 2021, Nigeria has established a robust legal and institutional framework for coordinating climate action, promoting low-carbon development and enhancing climate resilience.”
According to him, Nigeria’s growing urban population presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation, but also increases pressure on infrastructure, housing, public services and environmental management.
He noted that many Nigerian cities were already experiencing flooding, urban heat stress, air pollution, coastal erosion and the loss of critical ecosystems.
“These realities underscore the urgent need to integrate climate resilience into urban planning, infrastructure development and governance systems,” he said.
The climate change director stressed the importance of creativity, innovation and citizen participation in tackling environmental challenges, adding that storytelling, technology, entrepreneurship and the creative industry could play significant roles in advancing climate awareness.
He also described young people as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s climate response.
“Nigeria possesses one of the largest and most dynamic youth populations in the world. Their energy, creativity, technological ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit represent some of our greatest assets in the fight against climate change,” Abiola-Awe said.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, communities, businesses, development partners, academic institutions and civil society groups to drive climate-smart policies and sustainable urban development.
Also, the director of Administration and Programmes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Vivian Emehelu, said Nigeria’s environmental challenges highlighted the need for collective action and stronger partnerships among stakeholders.
She noted that climate change had worsened many environmental problems across the country, largely due to deforestation and other unsustainable human activities.
Emehelu said while urbanisation remained a major driver of economic growth, it also posed environmental risks that required careful management.
“All of these developments are beneficial for economic growth. However, it is important for us to understand how to enjoy these benefits while remaining mindful of our environment,” she said.
She advocated increased public awareness campaigns, environmental education, access to clean cooking solutions, renewable energy and energy justice.
In his remarks, Group Head, Strategy and Corporate Development at Jaiz Bank, Abubakar Sam, said the bank had continued to implement various environmental and sustainability initiatives as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments.