..over 110million Nigerian children at risk of climate change disasters- UNICEF

Abuja, Nigeria – 20 November 2023

Nigeria celebrated World Children’s Day, focusing on child rights amidst the escalating climate crisis.

Events across the country saw children from various regions, including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, leading discussions on the significant impact of climate change on their lives and futures.

The discussions covered various critical issues, including the direct health impacts of climate change on children, such as increased physical dangers, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition.

The event also shed light on the alarming rate of child displacement due to environmental disasters, with 650,000 children displaced from 2016 to 2021 due to floods.

Nigeria, as the second most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of children’s exposure to climate change, faces severe challenges.

Over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms.

“As one of the countries that suffers the greatest exposure to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria’s response to climate change must be swift and holistic, accounting for the needs of vulnerable people, including children and women, at the decision-making level, as well as in the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan” said Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General – National Council on Climate Change.

“This celebration is a crucial platform for our children, the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences. Their input is essential in shaping our collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.” Said Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

The celebration also highlighted collaboration efforts between the Government, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector, focusing on advocacy, partnerships, and climate education.

In Lagos State, a panel discussion on climate action for children was held at the UNICEF Lagos office to mark this World Children Day with students from across Lagos schools, other young people, private sector organizations and the Lagos state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in attendance.

The panel discussion was moderated by children and young people.

In an interview with journalists, the UNICEF Lagos Chief Field officer, Celine Lafoucrier, said it is very important that we support children and work with them in everything we are doing so that they can defend their rights and acquire their rights as they grow up and become the agents of change.

She noted that parents/caregivers, community leaders, and teachers have key roles to play in ensuring that children know their rights, understand how to acquire their rights, and protect them.

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