Climate change in Nigeria is worsening, with rising pollution, poor waste management, and environmental degradation threatening communities.
At the recent Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organised by Connected Development (CODE) at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, religious leaders, civil society groups, and climate advocates emphasised the need for urgent action to tackle Nigeria’s escalating climate crisis, calling on policymakers to implement concrete environmental solutions.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, urged religious organisations and citizens to demand stronger policies, warning that future generations would bear the consequences of inaction.
“Religious organisations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens must mount pressure on our policymakers and legislators to take climate change seriously.
“We cannot continue to pay lip service while our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate,” he said.
Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Executive Director of The Da’awah Institute, stressed the moral duty of faith leaders to promote sustainability, highlighting the importance of intergenerational justice.
“We are facing an urgent crisis and have a shared responsibility as religious leaders to this planet,” he said. “It is what we pass on to the next generation.”
Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, Executive Director of the KUKA Center, noted that religious leaders have significant influence and can mobilise their followers to drive climate action.
“Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them weekly.
“If they understand climate change, they can shape public opinion and drive action. This is why we must mainstream climate education in faith-based discussions,” he said.
Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE, raised concerns over Nigeria’s limited access to climate finance, pointing out that only 20% of available funds had been secured, mostly through loans. He urged faith-based advocacy to demand climate justice.
“Faith-based advocacy is critical. We must demand justice and ensure Nigeria is central to global climate discussions,” he said.
The summit also saw the launch of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report & Policy Brief, outlining strategies for faith-led environmental action.
