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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) has warned that continued neglect of climate change is driving severe flooding, food shortages, and hunger across Nigeria.
The Head of Programs at SSDO, Udochukwu Enwerem, gave the warning during the Youth Climate Justice March in Enugu, held to mark the 2025 Global Week for Action on Climate Justice.
Enwerem said years of failing to prioritize climate issues have left communities vulnerable to disasters, pointing to erosion, unpredictable rainfall, rising food prices, and increasing scarcity of staples like garri as evidence of the crisis.
“Communities are already experiencing flooding and worsening food insecurity because of years of ignoring climate issues. Unless urgent action is taken, the situation will only get worse,” he said.
He stressed that governments at both federal and state levels must place climate change at the center of their annual budgets and adopt measures such as climate financing, agroecology, adaptation strategies, and litigation against polluters.
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Enwerem lamented that international calls for climate funding from the Global South to the North have largely been ignored, urging Nigeria to adopt homegrown solutions.
He noted that SSDO has been training young farmers in agroecology to promote sustainable practices that build resilience against climate shocks.
Placards carried by the youths read: “Prioritise agroecology in state budgets,” “Climate adaptation is not charity, it’s justice,” “Nigeria can’t achieve sustainable development without climate resilience,” and “Hold polluters responsible.”
He further called for collective responsibility in climate action, advising citizens to reduce water and electricity consumption, dispose of waste properly to avoid blocked drainages, and maintain environmental cleanliness.
“Climate change is not a distant threat; it is already here with us. Government and citizens must act together to adapt and mitigate its effects,” he said.
