The South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) has raised alarm that ignoring climate change is worsening flooding, food shortages, and hunger in Nigeria.
The warning came from SSDO’s Head of Programs, Udochukwu Enwerem, during the Youth Climate Justice March in Enugu. The event was held as part of the 2025 Global Week for Action on Climate Justice.
Enwerem said years of failing to give attention to climate issues have made communities more exposed to disasters. He pointed to erosion, irregular rainfall, rising food prices, and the scarcity of common staples like garri as signs of the crisis.
“Communities are already suffering from flooding and food insecurity because climate issues were ignored for too long. If we don’t act urgently, things will get even worse,” he said.
He urged governments at both federal and state levels to put climate change at the center of their yearly budgets. He also advised them to adopt strategies such as climate financing, agroecology, adaptation measures, and holding polluters legally accountable.
Enwerem expressed concern that international appeals for climate funding from the Global South to the North have been largely ignored. He encouraged Nigeria to find and adopt local solutions.
He explained that SSDO has been training young farmers in agroecology to promote sustainable farming practices that can withstand climate shocks.
The youths at the march carried placards with messages like: “Prioritize agroecology in state budgets,” “Climate adaptation is not charity, it’s justice,” “Nigeria can’t achieve sustainable development without climate resilience,” and “Hold polluters responsible.”
Enwerem also called on citizens to take responsibility in the fight against climate change. He advised people to reduce water and electricity use, dispose of waste properly to avoid flooding from blocked drains, and keep their environment clean.
“Climate change is not a future threat; it is already affecting us now. Both government and citizens must work together to reduce its impact,” he said.
