By Lara Adejoro
The United Nations Children’s Fund says no fewer than 650,000 Nigerian children were displaced due to floods from 2016 to 2021.
UNICEF also said over 110 million Nigerian children were at risk of climate change, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms.
Disclosing this on Monday in a statement in commemoration of the World Children’s Day, the UN agency said Nigeria is the second most vulnerable country in the world in terms of children’s exposure to climate change.
WCD is celebrated annually on November 20 as a remembrance of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly in 1959.
This year’s commemoration focuses on child rights amidst the escalating climate crisis.
“Nigeria, as the second most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of children’s exposure to climate change, faces severe challenges. Over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms,” the statement read partly”, UNICEF said.
The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr Salisu Dahiru said, “As one of the countries that suffer the greatest exposure to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria’s response to climate change must be swift and holistic accounting for the needs of vulnerable people.
“These include children and women, at the decision-making level, as well as in the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan.”
“This celebration is a crucial platform for our children, the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences. Their input is essential in shaping our collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate.
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