By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Federal Government has expressed concern over the growing impact of climate change on Nigeria’s food systems, livelihoods and national security, warning that the environmental crisis is becoming one of the most significant challenges facing the country and the world.
The Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, made the observation on Thursday at a climate change dialogue organised by the C-Circle Foundation for secondary school students in Abuja to mark the 2026 World Environment Day celebration.
Represented by the Principal Scientific Officer in the department, Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, Abiola-Awe said climate change continues to manifest through rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and extreme weather events, with severe consequences for human well-being, agriculture, water resources and economic development.
She noted that despite contributing only a small percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, Nigeria remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate-related impacts, a situation that has heightened concerns over food security, public health and sustainable development.
According to her, the Federal Government has remained committed to addressing the challenge through ambitious climate targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent unconditionally and by 52 per cent with international support by 2030, while pursuing a net-zero emissions target by 2060. She added that initiatives such as the Climate Change Act 2021, the Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Initiative and the National Adaptation Plan are central to the country’s climate response strategy.
Abiola-Awe also challenged young Nigerians to take ownership of the climate agenda, describing them as critical stakeholders in the quest for a sustainable future. She urged students to use their creativity, innovation and energy to champion environmental protection and climate action in their communities.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Director of the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, said the annual programme was designed to increase environmental awareness among young people and equip them with the knowledge needed to understand and respond to emerging environmental challenges.
Ohajinwa observed that climate change was already having visible effects across Nigeria, including rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, flooding and drought. She noted that these environmental changes were affecting agricultural productivity, increasing pressure on food systems and contributing to socio-economic challenges across several communities.
She further explained that climate-related pressures have worsened conflicts between farmers and herders, displaced farming populations and contributed to rising food prices. According to her, this year’s event adopted a dialogue format rather than a debate to encourage learning, collaboration and deeper understanding of climate issues.
She also urged Nigerians to embrace responsible environmental practices, stressing that collective action remains essential to safeguarding the environment and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
