Environment minister rallies states, youths for stronger climate action at Abuja event
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called for urgent and coordinated climate action across Nigeria, warning that climate change is already having severe impacts on communities nationwide.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour on Tuesday at the State House in Abuja, Lawal said climate change is no longer a distant global concern but a pressing national challenge.
He pointed to desert encroachment in northern states, recurrent flooding in riverine areas, coastal erosion in the south, and irregular rainfall patterns disrupting agricultural activities as clear evidence of the crisis.
The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and aims to strengthen climate awareness and action at all levels of society.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s policy response through the Climate Change Act 2021, which establishes a legal framework for coordinated climate governance, carbon budgeting, and a pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. While acknowledging progress at the federal level, Lawal stressed the need to intensify climate action at subnational and grassroots levels.
According to him, the Ministry of Environment has taken steps to institutionalize climate governance nationwide. These include appointing Subnational Directors of Climate Change, creating Climate Change Desks within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and building capacity in greenhouse gas inventory management, adaptation planning, climate reporting, green budgeting, and access to climate finance.
He also noted the introduction of the annual Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking to assess states’ efforts in mitigation, adaptation, public awareness, and green investments. Additionally, a Community of Practice for Commissioners of Environment has been established to foster collaboration and peer learning across states.
Emphasizing the role of young people, Lawal highlighted youth-focused initiatives such as the Eco-School Initiative, Youth Climate Innovation Hub, and Uni-Go-Green Initiative. These programmes are designed to promote environmental education, renewable energy adoption, green entrepreneurship, and climate innovation among Nigerian youths.
