A new research report has added urgency to the need for inclusive climate change policies in Nigeria, especially in the states of Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa.
The study, supported by the UK Government and part of the PACE programme, found that women and people with disabilities suffer more from climate-related problems in these areas.
At the report launch in Kaduna, the lead researcher, Dr. Nkem Femi-James, said the findings show that climate change affects more than just the environment—it impacts daily life, including jobs, healthcare, education, food, and family life.
She emphasized that not everyone is affected the same way—women and people with disabilities face the biggest challenges.
Dr. Nkem praised current efforts like planting trees and resolving conflicts, but said that people with disabilities must be included because they have different needs.
She gave an example: standard flood warnings through SMS or loudspeakers may not reach people who are blind or deaf. Including them is not optional—it’s necessary for better climate solutions.
Mr. Nyam Maikano, a Deputy Director in Kaduna’s Ministry of Environment, said the state is committed to inclusive climate policies.
He mentioned that Kaduna’s Climate Change Policy, created in November, includes people with disabilities and promises to involve them in its rollout.
He also highlighted a government project that trained over 4,000 women in making briquettes (an alternative to firewood) in 2023. This aims to help the environment and give women more financial independence.
Sulaiman Abdulaziz, head of the disability association JONAPWD in Kaduna, called the research a wake-up call.
He explained that people with disabilities are often forgotten in emergencies like floods. For example, someone who is blind may hear a warning but not know where to go, while someone who is deaf may not hear the warning at all.
He urged the government to create emergency systems and infrastructure that consider the needs of people with disabilities.
Without this, climate plans will keep excluding them.Gloria Kasang Bulus, a civil society leader, said the report is a strong tool for advocacy.
She said it shows why disability inclusion is urgently needed in climate planning.Her organization is already working with disability groups like JONAPWD. Now, they will use the report’s findings to push for a specific disability action plan in Kaduna’s climate efforts.
She added that while an overall climate plan exists, it’s time to create a special section focused on people with disabilities.
This report gives the proof needed to argue for that change.
