Nigerian youths have been urged to make climate action a key issue in the 2027 general elections by demanding clear commitments from politicians on environmental protection, renewable energy, food security and climate resilience before casting their votes.
The call was made by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) during the launch of its #Vote4Climate 2027 Campaign to mark World Environment Day 2026. The group said young people must hold political leaders accountable for their plans to address climate change and its impact on livelihoods, food production, public health, security and economic development.
Speaking at the event, GIFSEP Executive Director, Dr. Michael David, said climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but a present-day challenge affecting communities across Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians, especially young voters, to question political aspirants on their plans for climate adaptation, renewable energy development, pollution control, environmental justice and green job creation.
“Every Nigerian is a green voter because every Nigerian depends on a stable environment for survival and prosperity,” he said.
David said environmental challenges are becoming more severe across the country, pointing to the shrinking Lake Chad, desertification in northern Nigeria, rising sea levels and recurring floods that continue to displace communities and destroy livelihoods.
He recalled that the 2022 floods displaced more than 1.4 million Nigerians and described the disaster as evidence of the country’s growing vulnerability to climate-related shocks.
The environmental advocate also raised concerns about air pollution from gas flaring, open waste burning and vehicle emissions, as well as the impact of land degradation on agricultural productivity.
According to him, more than 35 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity, a situation that could worsen if urgent measures are not taken to address climate-related threats to agriculture.
David said the campaign aims to ensure climate issues occupy a central place in political discussions ahead of the next election cycle.
He criticised the dominance of ethnic and regional politics in election debates, insisting that environmental sustainability should be a major factor in assessing candidates seeking public office.
The campaign, he said, seeks to encourage citizens to support leaders who prioritise climate action and reject those who ignore environmental challenges.
Also speaking, Richard Nzekwu, a consultant with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), said land degradation remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges.
He called for greater investment in nature-based solutions and youth-led restoration initiatives, warning that environmental decline could trigger migration and increase pressure on urban areas.
GIFSEP Board Member, Gloria Agema, stressed the need for greater inclusion of women in climate governance and environmental decision-making.
She said women often bear the heaviest burden of climate-related challenges, including food shortages, insecurity, health risks and displacement, yet remain underrepresented in shaping climate policies.
Agema called for stronger support for women-led climate initiatives, saying inclusive approaches are essential for building resilient communities.
The event ended with a call on journalists, civil society groups, youth organisations and citizens to intensify advocacy for environmental accountability as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Michael Olugbode
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