By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) and participants at the #DrawTheLine Abuja Climate March 2025 have made a demand for debt cancellation for climate, enabling African countries like Nigeria to channel resources toward resilience and sustainability.
The demand was made over the weekend during the #DrawTheLine Abuja Climate March 2025.
The Executive Director, GIFSEP, Dr. David Terungwa in an address on behalf of the conveners said the event is a united stand against climate injustice, poverty, environmental destruction, and the silent genocide facing vulnerable communities.
He condemned the use of public funds to support destructive industries that fuel floods, fires, heat waves, hunger, and poverty.
“Instead, we demand that public money be invested in building a safer, fairer, and more sustainable future for all Nigerians.
He said “As climate impacts escalate, we urgently call for climate finance, especially increased support for adaptation financing to protect vulnerable communities.
“Debt cancellation for climate, enabling African countries like Nigeria to channel resources toward resilience and sustainability.
“Respect and uphold the territories of Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities
“Support people and community-led solutions
“The National Assembly to expedite action on the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Bill currently before the House, a key step toward protecting people and planet.
“We also call on citizens to rise up and demand accountability from elected officials and all those entrusted with power. Our future cannot be mortgaged to the profits of industries that destroy lives and livelihoods. Only active citizens can reclaim our future and ensure justice for generations yet unborn.
Together, we march. Together, we demand. Together, we draw the line. Environment First, Politics Later.
Dr. Kenneth Akpan who represented Oxfam’s Country Director, John Makina at the march emphasized that the organization was backing the global campaign with resources, advocacy, and solidarity.
“OXFAM is supporting this campaign around the world to highlight climate injustice, poverty, and gender inequality, which too often remains silent in climate conversations. Here in Nigeria, we are pushing for state governments to adopt climate policies, just as has been done in Adamawa. Without commitments from state and local levels, Nigeria’s national pledges will not materialize,” he said.
Women, students, activists, young innovators and media practitioners were part of the march past which made a demand for an end to climate injustice and chart a sustainable path for the future.
