NHRC forms committee to tackle climate change rights abuses in Nigeria
NHRC inaugurated a National Working Committee on Tuesday to tackle human rights violations stemming from climate change across Nigeria. The committee, formed in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Council on Climate Change, aims to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians affected by climate impacts such as flooding, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
During the inauguration, NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu said climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a human rights crisis, citing families losing homes, farmers losing harvests and communities being uprooted. Representatives from the presidency, Ministry of Environment, National Council on Climate Change, civil society groups and development partners pledged support for inclusive climate policies and climate justice, especially for vulnerable groups.
The statement noted that the committee is not just another bureaucratic body but a promise to keep people at the centre of Nigeria’s climate response. With 25 states affected by floods in 2025 and a current seven‑day flood advisory warning of medium risk in 17 states, the initiative seeks to translate climate action into tangible protection for those most at risk.
How might this committee’s work change the way climate‑related disasters are addressed in your community, and what role advocating for climate justice could have in safeguarding your family’s livelihood and home?