By Faridat Salifu
In a dedicated effort to bolster climate financing for adaptation in Nigeria, multiple Civil Society Organizations in Abuja recently convened a three-day workshop under the theme “Building the Political Will for Climate Justice in Nigeria.” This workshop took place from October 24th to October 26th.
Mr. Michael David, the Executive Secretary of the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), underscored the significance of climate finance for adaptation within Nigeria.
He emphasized that climate finance should not be limited to mitigation alone but should also focus on building resilience within the nation. Through the allocation of funds for adaptation, critical areas such as food security, energy, health, and robust infrastructure can be addressed.
As Nigerians and Africans, our foremost demand is for climate finance that bolsters these vital facets of our development.
David brought attention to pertinent issues surrounding the current state of climate finance. Despite pledges from global north countries, the actual support received has been constrained.
He stressed the imperative need to revise climate laws and ensure the seamless integration of climate change considerations into environmental impact assessments. The effective implementation of these laws hinges on sufficient funding, particularly through budgetary allocations.
In line with this, the News Agency of Nigeria organized a training session to equip climate advocates with potent strategies for climate advocacy.
It remains of paramount importance to persistently advocate for the enforcement of climate laws and secure the essential financial resources needed to combat the challenges posed by climate change.
David also mentioned that the training places a particular emphasis on instructing climate advocates on how to adeptly engage with policymakers concerning environmental policies.
This engagement encompasses interaction with legislators, members of the House of Representatives, state governors, ministers, and other key policymakers, all conducted in a skillful and respectful manner.
Furthermore, climate advocates from various states will return to organize climate lobby days, showcasing the collective efforts made to establish relationships and advocate for meaningful changes in environmental policies.
David highlighted the pivotal role of government and citizens in the quest for climate action in Nigeria.
He underscored the importance of partnerships and relationships, which are the reasons behind the training of advocates.
These advocates play an indispensable role in curbing environmental transgressions and promoting the integration of climate change considerations into all aspects of the country’s activities.
David also shared a compelling example of their successful lobbying endeavors, where they successfully advocated for the passage of the climate act law, an achievement realized just two weeks after their lobby meeting.
This underscores the inspiring impact of such advocacy in propelling positive changes.
The executive secretary commended OXFAM Nigeria for their invaluable support in the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, alongside other partners in Nigeria.
He highlighted the climate lobby as a meticulously designed process for citizens to engage with their elected officials, including members of parliament, senators, representatives, local government chairpersons, and ministers.
He advised the use of tools such as respect, admiration, and gratitude when engaging with policymakers on climate action and other developmental issues. It’s heartening to witness such collaborative endeavors in advancing climate justice in Nigeria.
Mr. Ibrahim Bello, the Executive Director of Alimat Care Foundation in Adamawa, also shared their involvement in a two-day training organized by GIFSEP and supported by OXFAM as part of the AACJ project.
They acquired crucial lobbying skills and effectively utilized them to advocate for the domestication of the national act on climate change and the review of Adamawa State Forest Law, which had remained unchanged since 1963.
Mr. Bello expressed optimism regarding the bill’s passage by the governor, which would mark a significant milestone for the people of the state. It’s inspiring to witness the profound impact of their advocacy efforts in steering positive changes in climate policies.
