Flooding displaces 650,000 Nigerian children in eight years — UNICEF
By Sodiq Adelakun
In a sobering report coinciding with World Children’s Day 2023, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that climate change has displaced approximately 650,000 Nigerian children between 2016 and 2023.
Nigeria now ranks as the second most impacted country globally concerning the effects of climate change on children.
UNICEF’s alarming statistics point to a broader crisis, with over 110 million Nigerian children at risk due to environmental hazards such as rising temperatures, floods, droughts, and severe storms.
The situation underscores the vulnerability of the country’s youth to the escalating climate emergency. Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, called for immediate and inclusive action.
He emphasised the importance of considering the needs of the most vulnerable groups, including children and women, in both decision-making and implementation processes to address the crisis effectively.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate highlighted the necessity of providing a platform for children to voice their concerns about climate change. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage young people in shaping a sustainable future.
Marking World Children’s Day, stakeholders from various sectors such as education, environment, media, and relevant organisations gathered at Evolution Hotel in Gombe for the launch of the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) in Nigeria.
The UNICEF Bauchi Field Office broadcasted the event live, focusing on the climate risks faced by children and the multi-sectoral climate actions planned for Nigeria from 2023 to 2027.
The event saw the participation of key figures, including UNICEF officials, Gombe’s Commissioner for Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari, and the Project Coordinator of Agro-Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL).
Journalists and peace advocates also attended, with veteran journalists Farida Muhammad Dunemia, Alhaji Usman Shehu, Alhaji Aliyu Ardo, and others from Pathway to Peace DW Academia contributing to the dialogue.
The launch of CLAC is a step towards addressing the climate challenges faced by Nigerian children, aiming to integrate climate resilience into the broader agenda for safeguarding the country’s future generations.
Over 650,000 Nigerian Children Displaced by Floods Amid Climate CrisisIn a sobering report coinciding with World Children’s Day 2023, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that climate change has displaced approximately 650,000 Nigerian children between 2016 and 2023.
Nigeria now ranks as the second most impacted country globally concerning the effects of climate change on children.
