By Ojugbele Omotunde
Fridays For Future Nigeria (FFFN), a coalition of young climate activists advocating for environmental justice, is orchestrating a series of statewide demonstrations aimed at pressuring insurance companies to divest from fossil fuel projects.
According to a statement by FFFN National Coordinator Kingsley Odogwu, protests highlighting the detrimental effects of fossil fuels and advocating for future energy security are scheduled to occur in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Delta from February 26 to March 3.
Odogwu emphasized the urgent need for insurance companies in Nigeria and globally to take immediate action to address the climate crisis by transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy alternatives.
Similar events are also taking place in several other countries, underscoring the global nature of the movement.
The objectives of the protests include urging insurance companies to cease coverage for new fossil fuel projects, phasing out support for existing coal, oil, and gas ventures, respecting human rights, and facilitating a just transition to renewable energy sources.
With 2023 being recorded as the hottest year on record, Odogwu stressed that fossil fuels remain the primary driver of the climate crisis.
Highlighting the significant environmental harm caused by fossil fuel activities in the Niger-Delta region, Odogwu emphasized the pivotal role of the insurance sector in shaping the future of the planet.
He argued that insurance companies’ support enables fossil fuel businesses to operate despite the adverse impact on local communities and ecosystems.
Furthermore, Odogwu underscored the importance of supporting indigenous communities who are disproportionately affected by fossil fuel extraction activities.
He urged the Nigerian government to honor its commitment to climate justice and create an enabling environment for advocacy efforts.
Odogwu warned against the exacerbation of climate-related disasters such as wildfires, floods, droughts, and storms due to continued insurance coverage for fossil fuels.
To secure a sustainable future for the next generation, he called on insurance companies to revoke their support for these environmentally harmful endeavors.
The demonstrations organized by FFFN serve as a poignant call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize environmental stewardship and hasten the transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.
