A non-governmental organisation, Natural Justice, in partnership with African Activists for Climate Justice, has launched a two-day intensive training workshop on climate change litigation for female lawyers across Nigeria.
The workshop aims to equip women in the legal profession with the knowledge and tools necessary to pursue climate justice through the courts.
Speaking at the training on Wednesday in Lagos, the Country Manager of Natural Justice, Mr. Michael Karikpo, highlighted the vital role women play in climate activism, noting that they are often disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change.
“There are already legal frameworks like the Climate Change Act and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that provide avenues for holding duty bearers accountable,” Karikpo said.
“Yet, the lack of preparedness and transparency—especially in the management of Nigeria’s ecological fund—remains a significant concern.”
He also stressed the importance of integrating climate change awareness and litigation into Nigeria’s legal education curriculum, emphasizing that empowering female lawyers is key to amplifying vulnerable voices and advancing environmental justice.
In a presentation titled “Climate Change Litigation in Nigeria: An Evolving Trend,” environmental lawyer and consultant Mr. Ishaku Mshelia explained the link between scientific awareness of climate risks and the necessary legal responses.
Referencing the Paris Agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent, Mshelia described the Climate Change Act as a foundational tool for legal engagement.
“There is a need to enhance the judiciary’s understanding of climate litigation while strengthening the capacity of lawyers to lead this charge,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu delved into the science of climate change and its serious implications for Nigeria.
“We are among the least contributors to global emissions but suffer some of the most devastating effects,” he said.
“Science helps us understand the crisis; law helps us respond to it.”
Arigbabu pointed to gas flaring, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate policy responses as key challenges. He urged participants to use their legal expertise to fight injustice and protect the rights of the most affected, especially women and children.
“Your role is not just to fight for laws, but to fight for lives,” he emphasized.
The training marks a significant step in promoting gender-inclusive climate justice and building a legal community capable of confronting the climate crisis through strategic litigation and advocacy.
