By Bavoriat Clara
Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, floods, desertification, and declining agricultural productivity, has become one of the greatest threats to human survival globally. In Nigeria, its impact is evident in food insecurity, increased health risks, population displacement, and the destruction of livelihoods, especially in rural communities. Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken, the consequences will deepen poverty and inequality across the country.
Against this backdrop, the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) convened a climate advocacy forum, bringing together policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the climate crisis.
The Executive Director of GIFSEP, Dr. David Michael Terungwa, delivering the lead presentation, called for stronger media engagement in climate change advocacy, stressing the urgent need for accurate reporting, research-driven journalism, and the establishment of a dedicated platform for climate journalists in Nigeria.
He emphasized that journalism must go beyond covering events to conducting field investigations and holding policymakers accountable. “Anyone can become a climate reporter, but beyond writing skills, there must be a basic understanding of the science and politics of climate change. The science is clear—temperatures are rising and greenhouse gases are increasing. Yet, the politics, driven largely by fossil fuel interests, continue to distort the conversation,” he stated.
Dr. David announced plans to establish a Climate Journalists’ Platform in Nigeria as a hub for collaboration, information-sharing, and reporting on climate issues.
The Country Director of Oxfam, Mr. John Makina, in his address, described climate change as “the most pressing issue of our time,” and stressed the vital role of the media in countering misinformation, raising awareness, and promoting adaptation strategies.
The Special Assistant to the President on Climate Change Matters, Comrade Yusuf Olatunji Kilani, commended the initiative, noting that journalists are critical to amplifying government efforts to address the climate crisis. He urged the media to serve not only as watchdogs but also as partners in educating citizens, shaping narratives, and driving accountability in climate governance.
Representing the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Olanrewaju Akintola affirmed that climate change is real and requires urgent action. “We either mitigate or adapt—there are no two ways about it. The media is central to this campaign,” he said.
Dr. Olamide Ojo, Strategy Director of Prom Comm Plus, warned that climate change is a “hunger multiplier,” with agricultural productivity projected to fall drastically due to extreme weather patterns. He praised GIFSEP’s advocacy efforts, including support for state-level climate policies and the push for the Environmental, Social, and Health Impact Assessment Bill.
Similarly, the Country Director of CBN Global, Mr. Musa Abdulazzez, stressed the need for grassroots mobilization, renewable energy adoption, and sustained advocacy ahead of COP30. He encouraged award recipients to see their recognition as a call to do more while motivating others to step into climate action.
Adding her voice, the Country Director of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, Mrs. Ibironke Olabamishe, highlighted the organization’s role in supporting grassroots climate action. She explained that GEF, the largest funder of environmental projects globally, has worked with nearly 200 civil society organizations in Nigeria, supporting over 240 community-based environmental projects in 30 states.
“Communities are both the first victims and the first culprits of environmental degradation, which is why empowering them is vital,” she said. Mrs. Olabamishe stressed that Nigerians must take responsibility for their environment, from avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal to adopting sustainable practices.
She urged participants not to stop at attending events but to take concrete steps to tackle the climate crisis. “Business as usual cannot continue. Human activities are driving this menace, and only deliberate, collective action can reverse the trend,” she emphasized.
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that partnerships among civil society, government, the media, and local communities remain essential to advancing climate resilience, promoting renewable energy, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria.
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