Hundred Million Nigerian Children In Danger Over Climate Change – UNICEF

Over one hundred and thirteen million and seven hundred and thirty thousand Nigerian children, representing fifty one  per cent of the two hundred and twenty million people in Nigeria, are disproportionately affected by climate change. 

This report was revealed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The report titled: “Climate Landscape Analysis for Children in Nigeria”, highlighted key climate risks to children and provides an overview of the multi-sectoral climate mitigation and adaptation actions that UNICEF intends to implement in Nigeria from 2023–2027.Findings of the report revealed that children account for 51 per cent of the 223 million people in Nigeria and are disproportionately affected by climate change. They are also often the first and most severely impacted by climate shocks due to their dependence on others.

To this end, UNICEF organised events across the country where children from various regions, including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, led discussions on the significant impact of climate change on their lives and futures, at the celebration of the World Children’s Day in Nigeria.

The discussions covered various critical issues, including the direct health impacts of climate change on children, such as increased physical dangers, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition.

For instance, the panel discussion on climate action for children held at the UNICEF Lagos office to mark this World Children Day had in attendance students from across Lagos schools, other young people, private sector organizations and the Lagos state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development. Children and young people moderated the panel discussion.