Empowering Communities: Civil Groups Push for Decentralized Climate Action in Nigeria

Civil society groups in the Niger Delta recently pushed for a new approach to Nigeria’s climate change response. This call came during the Third Niger Delta Annual Climate Change Conference held in Port Harcourt.

The event focused on empowering local voices. Mr. Friday Nbani, the conference’s convener, emphasized that decentralization could enhance the fight against climate change and improve environmental policies nationwide.

“We need local government climate desks to better understand the challenges, especially in rural areas where degradation is severe and often overlooked,” Nbani noted. He highlighted that many communities in the Niger Delta are struggling to farm or fish due to environmental damage, urging unity and support on a national and global scale.

Mr. Ken Henshaw, an expert in environmental advocacy, addressed the urgent need to move away from fossil fuels. He criticized multinational oil companies for their role in the region’s ecological damage, saying, “If we don’t shift away from fossil fuels, we are part of the climate crisis.” He argued for an economy less reliant on oil and more focus on direct support for communities facing climate-related challenges.

Anthony Hayward, a lawyer, also joined the conversation, praising the bravery of Niger Delta communities fighting for environmental justice. He called for reparations for these oil-producing regions and urged the government to take a stronger stance against environmental pollution.

In recent years, awareness around climate issues has increased, with research showing that communities worldwide are more focused on local solutions. A recent survey found that 75% of respondents believe that local governments should take the lead in addressing climate problems. This trend aligns with the desires expressed at the conference.

The conference attracted various stakeholders, from environmental activists to community leaders, united in their mission for change. This gathering served as an essential platform for discussing the unique environmental challenges faced in the Niger Delta and how to tackle them effectively.

For more insights, check this report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on local climate action and its importance.

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Civil Society Organisations,Decentralisation,Niger Delta.