By Abbas Nazil
Floods, food insecurity, and rising carbon emissions have continued to expose Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change, prompting experts to call for urgent sector-specific environmental measures.
The All Progressives Congress Climate Change Network (ACCN) made the call during its inaugural Climate Policy Dialogue held in Abuja on September 12, 2025.
The group said the time had come to move from broad conversations to practical climate-smart solutions that protect both people and the environment.
Dr Greg Odogwu, National Coordinator of ACCN, stressed that Nigeria must build dams to reduce flooding, adopt renewable energy to cut carbon emissions, and embrace climate-smart agriculture to ensure food sustainability.
He added that the network will present 95 recommendations, referred to as the “95 Theses,” to the party leadership as part of its constitutional amendment process.
Environmental consultant, Dr Murtala Mohammed, who delivered the keynote address, said climate change is no longer an abstract debate but a lived reality for Nigerians.
He urged political leaders to embed green growth into manifestos and government policies, replicate resilience strategies like those seen in Lagos across the country, and support rural farmers and young agripreneurs through sustainable agriculture.
Mohammed outlined three pathways for action: mainstreaming climate priorities into governance, mobilizing youth, women, and local communities into a strong climate constituency, and strengthening partnerships with civil society, the private sector, and global agencies to drive innovative solutions.
He also cautioned against reliance on genetically modified crops, advocating for more environmentally sustainable methods.
Hamzat Lawal, Founder of Connected Development and ACCN Advisory Board Chairman, described the initiative as timely, noting that millions of Nigerians, particularly rural farmers already facing the brunt of environmental degradation, represent “green voters” ahead of the 2027 elections.
He stressed that making environmental action a political priority could inspire not only Nigeria but other African nations to strengthen their climate commitments.