Over 40 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have teamed up to create the Climate Justice Movement (CJM). Spearheaded by Greenpeace Africa, this movement aims to unify different climate voices to tackle the severe effects of climate change in Africa.
The CJM recently announced its goals at a two-day event in Abuja. This declaration emphasizes the need to hold corporations accountable for environmental harm and calls for immediate action on key issues. Among its demands are:
- Cleaning up oil-contaminated areas in the Niger Delta;
- Compensating communities impacted by oil extraction;
- Ending gas flaring;
- Shifting toward renewable energy;
- Strengthening regulations to curb corporate environmental violations.
This coalition includes various groups focused on environmental issues, such as ocean and forest protection. CJM Nigeria is the fourth of its kind, following successful launches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Ghana. Their next steps include implementing a coordinated action plan and expanding efforts throughout West Africa.
Ogunlade Olamide Martins from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) views this collaboration as a significant shift for grassroots movements. He stated, “We’ve been fragmented for too long. Now, by coming together, we can amplify our voices and shape real solutions.”
Sherelee Odayar, an oil and gas campaigner with Greenpeace Africa, highlighted the destructive legacy of oil companies like Shell. “The recent investigations into Shell’s actions in the Niger Delta reveal the long-term damage caused. This declaration signals that we will no longer tolerate pollution and corporate negligence.”
Climate and energy campaigner Cynthia Moyo stressed the urgency of a systematic approach. “Nigeria is facing increasing flooding and desertification. We need solutions that reflect African realities and protect communities from false promises like carbon trading.”
Food security is also under threat. Elizabeth Atieno from Greenpeace Africa pointed out that oil spills have ruined farmland in the Niger Delta, leading to a food crisis, particularly affecting women and children. She emphasized that climate justice is about ensuring food security amid corporate negligence.
Recent data further support these concerns. Between July and October 2024, floods impacted over 4 million Nigerians, resulting in hundreds of deaths and significant property damage. In 2022, similar disasters dislocated 1.4 million people and destroyed vital farmland, worsening the country’s economic struggles.
Ibrahim Muhammad Shamsuddin from Yanayl Haki Afriqya noted that Nigerian youth are demanding accountability from corporations and policymakers. “We refuse to live in a country where profits overshadow the needs of the people and the planet,” he asserted.
This declaration marks a commitment to transforming environmental advocacy in Nigeria into a more organized force for change, aiming for a safe and healthy environment for all—a basic human right.
For more information on global climate efforts, you can visit UN Climate Change.
