Forum wants action against climate change

Religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), climate activists and other stakeholders have urged policymakers to take urgent action to address the growing challenges of climate change in Nigeria. They made the call at the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit organized by Connected Development (CODE), on Thursday in Abuja, aimed to empower faith and community […]

Religious leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), climate activists and other stakeholders have urged policymakers to take urgent action to address the growing challenges of climate change in Nigeria.

They made the call at the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit organized by Connected Development (CODE), on Thursday in Abuja, aimed to empower faith and community leaders to advocate for climate justice and propose solutions to Nigeria’s climate crisis.

The Chief Executive of CODE, Mallam Hamzat Lawal, noted the role of faith leaders and communities in climate action, especially during significant religious periods like Ramadan and Lent.

Lawal decried the country’s poor access to climate finance, saying that Nigeria has only secured about 20 percent of available funds, most of which are loans instead of grants.

“Nigeria is a deeply religious country, and faith has always been a tool for justice. Climate change is a justice issue. We must use faith to drive the right actions and ensure Nigeria gets the global attention it deserves in climate discussions.

“We need to access climate funds that will help us mitigate the effects of climate change, rather than burdening future generations with debt. Nigeria has the largest forest reserves in Cross River, yet we are not getting resources for conservation,” Lawal said.

Delivering the keynote, the Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, noted the need for a radical shift in environmental policies towards promoting practices that address the escalating climate crisis.

Fr. Ehusani also decried the widespread pollution and lack of proper waste management in Nigeria, noting that urgent policy interventions were needed.

“Religious organizations, 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.

“Nigerians have adjusted themselves to a high level of environmental degradation. We see mountains of refuse, toxic waste in our rivers, and worsening air pollution, yet there is little action. If we do not act now, future generations will pay the price,” he said.

Also, Executive Director of The Da’awah Institute, Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, stressed the moral duty of faith leaders to promote sustainability, highlighting the importance of intergenerational justice.

He identified climate-induced conflicts due to deforestation, unplanned urbanisation, and resource scarcity as critical concerns.

“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. We must integrate faith, science, and government to drive sustainable solutions,” Lemu said.

He urged religious leaders to use faith-based platforms for climate advocacy and to stress sustainability in sermons.

The Country Lead, Strategic Communications at Global Strategic Communications Council, Daniel Oladoja, commended the forum, saying it is an effort to maximize collective potential in confronting the challenge of climate change.

“Every generation must rise to the challenges of its own time. I have said in the past that we cannot allow the generation that fought two world wars, conquered the lethal bacteria and viruses, put man on the moon and got massive Airplanes flying across the skies tell us it impossible to conquer climate change.

“If this is in the challenge of our time then In God’s name we all must rise up with faith to fight that battle and win. Speaking of winning Tom Brookes said we will not win because we are stronger or more intelligent but because we can out organize and unite ourselves for a common purpose. So let’s us unite in faith to today to fight climate change,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Kukah Center, Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, noted the influence of faith leaders in mobilizing climate action, as their voices resonate deeply within communities.

“Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them every week. 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,” Barkindo said.