By Khadija Kubau
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has called for urgent and united climate action as he officially flagged off the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour at the State House, Abuja.
The tour, an initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed to strengthen climate awareness and drive coordinated environmental action across the country.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister declared that climate change is no longer a distant global phenomenon but a lived national emergency.
He pointed to desert encroachment in northern Nigeria, devastating floods in riverine areas, coastal erosion in southern communities, and erratic rainfall patterns disrupting agricultural productivity as clear warning signs.
“These realities demand immediate, coordinated and sustained responses,” he said, stressing that climate governance must move beyond policy statements to measurable action at federal, state and grassroots levels.
He highlighted Nigeria’s proactive steps through the Climate Change Act 2021, which provides a comprehensive legal framework for climate governance, including carbon budgeting and a pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 in line with global commitments. While noting federal-level progress, he emphasized the need to deepen implementation at subnational levels.
According to the Minister, the Ministry has intensified efforts to institutionalize climate governance nationwide.
This includes appointing Subnational Directors of Climate Change, establishing Climate Change Desks in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and strengthening capacity in greenhouse gas inventory management, adaptation planning, climate reporting, green budgeting, and access to climate finance.
He also spotlighted the annual Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking, which measures and incentivizes state performance in mitigation, adaptation, awareness creation and green investments. In addition, a Community of Practice for Commissioners of Environment has been created to foster collaboration, peer learning and shared innovation across states.
Recognizing the pivotal role of young people, the Minister underscored youth-focused programmes such as the Eco-School Initiative, Youth Climate Innovation Hub and Uni-Go-Green Initiative.
These platforms aim to promote environmental literacy, green entrepreneurship, renewable energy adoption and climate innovation among Nigeria’s youth population.
The Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Tour will traverse the country’s six geopolitical zones, engaging key stakeholders, raising public consciousness on climate risks and opportunities, promoting renewable energy solutions and mobilizing grassroots climate champions.
Concluding his address, the Minister affirmed that climate action is not only an environmental necessity but also a driver of sustainable development, economic growth and job creation.
He urged all stakeholders to join forces in building a climate-resilient and environmentally secure Nigeria.
