The Federal Government has warned that climate change is becoming a serious threat to food security, livelihoods, and national security in Nigeria, urging citizens to adopt sustainable environmental practices and support climate action initiatives.

The warning was issued by Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, during a dialogue organised for secondary school students by the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.

Represented by Principal Scientific Officer Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe, Abiola-Awe described climate change as the defining challenge of the current generation.

“Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation threaten every aspect of human life, from food security and water availability to health, livelihoods, and national security,” she said.

She noted that although Nigeria contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, the country remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

According to her, climate-related challenges also present an opportunity for Nigeria to embrace sustainable development and transition to greener systems.

Abiola-Awe stated that Nigeria has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent unconditionally and by 52 per cent with international support by 2030, while targeting net-zero emissions by 2060.

She highlighted several government initiatives aimed at addressing climate change, including the Climate Change Act 2021, the Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and the National Adaptation Plan.

Addressing students at the event, she encouraged young Nigerians to become active advocates for environmental sustainability and climate action.

“To our students and participants in today’s debate and dialogue: you are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the agents of change today,” she said.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, explained that the annual programme was organised to raise awareness about environmental issues among young people.

She said Nigeria is already experiencing the effects of climate change through increased temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding, and drought.

“We’re already experiencing it. There is an increase in temperature. The rainfall is no longer the way it used to be. We are having flooding,” she said.

Ohajinwa added that climate change is worsening socio-economic challenges, especially in agriculture, contributing to farmer-herder conflicts, food inflation, and the displacement of communities.

“The grasses are not growing the way they’re supposed to grow. Then it’s causing farmers and herders to have clashes,” she said.

The programme, held in Abuja as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026, brought together students, government officials, and environmental experts to discuss the growing impact of climate change on food systems, livelihoods, and national stability in Nigeria.