Nigerian Children At Greater Risk From Climate Change – UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has spotlighted the staggering impact of climate change on Nigerian children, revealing that over 100 million are at increasing risk due to extreme weather patterns.

Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, who disclosed this at an event organised by UNICEF to mark World Children’s Day on Wednesday in Lagos, underscored the urgency of addressing the crisis to protect the rights and futures of the nation’s youth.

“Nothing puts Nigerian children’s future at risk more than climate change,” she declared, citing the Children’s Climate Risk Index, which ranks Nigeria among the top three most vulnerable countries globally. “Storm surges and rising temperatures drive frequent disasters, undermining children’s rights to health, nutrition, and access to clean water. These challenges become even more critical as schools are forced to shut down, disrupting education and jeopardising their future,” she lamented.

The urgency of collaborative efforts to address climate change for the well-being of Nigerian children cannot be overstated, Lafoucriere averred, adding that  Children’s rights are human rights—non-negotiable and essential for building a better world today and for generations to come.

She reiterated that UNICEF remains steadfast in working with public and private sector partners, champions, young people, and children to create a safer, more sustainable planet. “One flagship initiative, Generation Unlimited Nigeria, empowers youth to prioritise climate action. By engaging young people, UNICEF ensures they are equipped to champion change, fostering awareness and understanding of climate challenges for both current and future generations.

“The young leaders present today are emerging as generational agents of change, paving the way for a brighter future. They will become the parents and advocates for the children of tomorrow, championing their rights and well-being. Let us celebrate and empower these children and youth, whose creativity, ideas, and leadership will shape the sustainable and prosperous future we all envision,” she added.

In the same vein, the commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mr. Abubakre Mobolaji Ogunlende, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to protecting and promoting children’s rights.

Ogunlende, who was represented by the deputy director of Child Development in Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Adenike Obilana, said World Children’s Day symbolises the unity and commitment of all leaders to protecting children’s rights around the world while stressing the importance of ensuring children have access to survival, development, protection, and participation in decisions affecting them.

Acknowledging the 33rd annual celebration of the Treaty for the Prevention of Child Rights Violations, Ogunlende highlighted the significance of this year’s theme: “Climate change has a significant impact on the survival and well-being of children”, adding that, “They must be part of the decisions and solutions to address it. Their voices are critical in building a sustainable future.”

The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding the Child Rights Law and creating a safe environment for every child while calling on stakeholders to continue prioritising children’s best interests. “We need to protect, cherish, and care for them. Let us all work together to secure a brighter future for our children,” she urged.

Nigerian children also made their voices heard, calling on leaders to take decisive action against climate change. Michelle, a student from Richfield High School, painted a stark picture of the crisis: “Roads are flooding, the air is polluted, and our planet is becoming uninhabitable.” She called for collective responsibility to tackle the issue. “We can’t continue to live like this,” she stressed. “Children worldwide are stepping up to address climate change. It’s time for everyone to take action.”