Abuja: The Federal Government and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have urged Nigerians to adopt climate-friendly materials in housing and other construction projects to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The call was made on Saturday in Abuja during an event to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day. The event was organised by the Yar’Adua Foundation in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, YouthHub Africa, TechHer, and the Centre for Climate Action Innovation and Engagement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Iniabong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, described the programme’s theme, ‘The Climate of Our Cities: Urbanisation, Creativity and Climate Resilience in Nigeria’, as timely and forward-looking. She stated that the theme addresses one of the defining challenges of the modern era: building cities that are economically vibrant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and resilient to the growing impacts of climate change.
Abiola-Awe emphasized that World Environment Day serves as the United Nations’ flagship platform for promoting environmental awareness and action across the globe. Beyond a day of commemoration, it acts as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment and pursue development pathways that secure the wellbeing of present and future generations. It challenges governments, institutions, businesses, communities, and individuals to move beyond commitments and embrace transformative action.
She identified climate change as one of the most significant threats to sustainable development globally, noting that countries across continents are grappling with rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, desertification, flooding, sea-level rise, and other extreme weather events. Developing countries such as Nigeria are especially vulnerable due to the interplay between climate risks, rapid population growth, urbanisation pressures, infrastructure deficits, and broader development challenges.
Abiola-Awe highlighted the unprecedented growth of Nigeria’s urban population and its implications. While urbanisation presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and improved quality of life, it also places increasing pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, housing systems, public services, and environmental management. Many Nigerian cities face heightened vulnerability to flooding, urban heat stress, waste management challenges, air pollution, coastal erosion, and the loss of critical ecosystems. These realities underscore the urgent need to integrate climate resilience into urban planning, infrastructure development, and governance systems.
She noted that the Federal Government recognised that climate action is no longer optional but imperative for national development. The enactment of the Climate Change Act 2021 established a robust legal and institutional framework for coordinating climate action, promoting low-carbon development, and enhancing climate resilience. The landmark legislation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to achieving sustainable development while fulfilling its obligations under the Paris Agreement and other international environmental commitments.
Vivian Emehelu, Director of Administration and Programmes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the country’s environmental challenges. She noted that climate change has exacerbated many challenges across the country, largely due to deforestation and other unsustainable human activities. Although urbanisation remains an important driver of economic growth and development, it also presents environmental challenges that require careful management.
Emehelu underscored the importance of enjoying economic growth benefits while being mindful of environmental sustainability. She called for increased dialogue, public education, and awareness campaigns to promote environmentally responsible behaviour and stressed the need to expand access to clean cooking solutions, renewable energy, and energy justice.
Abubakar Sam, Group Head, Strategy and Corporate Development at Jaiz Bank, discussed the bank’s implementation of various initiatives as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments. He stated that the bank focuses on sectors such as agriculture, health, education, youth development, and women’s empowerment, and supports initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, including recycling and responsible waste management.