By: Sunday Ameh
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called for urgent and coordinated action to address climate change, environmental degradation, and ecological injustice in Nigeria.
The organisation made the call on Friday in a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day, observed globally under the theme, “Climate Action – #NowForClimate.”
In the statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD said the growing impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident across Nigeria, threatening livelihoods, public health, food security, and economic development.
According to the organisation, extreme weather events, rising temperatures, flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution continue to expose communities to severe environmental and socio-economic challenges.
FENRAD noted that Nigeria has witnessed devastating floods, worsening erosion, declining agricultural productivity, deforestation, and other environmental crises in recent years.
The group expressed particular concern over the ecological situation in the Niger Delta, describing decades of oil exploration and exploitation as a major contributor to environmental destruction in the region.
It said persistent oil spills, gas flaring, contamination of rivers and groundwater, destruction of mangrove forests, and biodiversity loss have negatively affected the health and livelihoods of millions of residents.
“Despite numerous commitments by government authorities and multinational oil companies, many communities in the Niger Delta continue to suffer from inadequate remediation, poor environmental governance, weak regulatory enforcement, and limited access to environmental justice,” the statement said.
FENRAD warned that climate change is worsening existing environmental problems in the region through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, saltwater intrusion, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.
According to the organisation, failure to address these challenges could result in increased poverty, displacement, food insecurity, and social instability.
The group also highlighted environmental concerns in the South-East, including severe gully erosion, deforestation, poor waste management practices, and growing climate vulnerabilities.
It noted that many local governments remain inadequately prepared to respond effectively to climate-related disasters.
FENRAD called on the Federal Government to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation policies while ensuring effective implementation across the country.
The organisation also urged relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to enforce environmental regulations and hold polluters accountable for environmental violations.
It further called on oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta to address environmental pollution, end gas flaring, and embrace responsible environmental practices.
The group appealed to state governments to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, erosion control projects, flood management systems, afforestation programmes, and renewable energy initiatives.
FENRAD also urged the National Assembly and state legislatures to enact and strengthen laws that promote environmental protection and guarantee environmental justice.
The organisation encouraged development partners and international institutions to support community-based climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration programmes.
It further called on citizens, particularly young people, to actively participate in environmental protection efforts, climate advocacy, waste reduction, and sustainable development initiatives.
FENRAD stressed that environmental protection is not merely an ecological issue but a fundamental human rights concern.
“Every Nigerian deserves access to clean air, safe water, healthy ecosystems, and a sustainable environment capable of supporting present and future generations,” the statement added.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental rights, climate justice, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.
It urged governments, corporations, and citizens to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps to address the climate crisis.
“The future of our communities, our ecosystems, and our nation depends on the actions we take today. Climate Action Cannot Wait. Environmental Justice Cannot Wait. The Time to Act is Now,” the statement concluded.
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