By Abigael Joshua
The Federal Government has demonstrated commitment to addressing climate change challenges through a robust legal and regulatory framework.
Dr Iniobong Abiola-Awe, the Director, Department of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment, made this known during an Inter-School Debate/Dialogue Competition.
The debate was rganised by the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment to commemorate 2026 World Environment Day in Abuja on Friday.
A notable framework, she said, is the Climate Change Act 2021, which established the National Council on Climate Change.
“World Environment Day, is celebrated annually on June 5, it is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
“As we are gathered under the theme: Accelerating Climate Action for a Resilient and Sustainable Future”, we are called upon to move beyond rhetoric and into decisive, inclusive, and transformative action.
“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.
“Nigeria, like many developing nations, is disproportionately vulnerable to these climate impacts despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
Abiola-Awe said that however, in the challenge lied an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine the country’s economy, reshape its industries, and reorient societies toward sustainability.
“Nigeria is committed to an unconditional contribution of 29 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and conditional contribution of 52 per cent reduction with international support with a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
“The Department of Climate Change is spearheading several impactful initiatives such as Eco-Schools Initiative, aimed to empower and educate school children on taking climate action.”
She added that it promoted eco-friendly practices in educational institutions across the country.
“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 and voices matter.
“Your ideas are powerful. Your generation has the creativity, energy, and moral conviction to drive the transformation our world so urgently needs.
“This competition is more than a contest of words; it is a platform for shaping perspectives, challenging assumptions, and co-creating solutions,” she said.
She urged the students to debate with passion, listen with empathy, and leave the debate venue, not as competitors alone, but as ambassadors of climate action in their schools, homes, and communities.
“As we commemorate the World Environment Day 2026, I call on every Nigerian, to plant a tree (participate in our national reforestation efforts), adopt sustainable practices (reduce waste, conserve energy, and embrace recycling).
“Support climate education (learn, teach, and advocate for environmental stewardship, hold leaders accountable (demand climate action at all levels of governance), and protect our planet,” Abiola-Awe said.
Also speaking, Dr Chimere Ohajinwa, Founder of C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment said the NGO was focused on raising environmental consciousness.
“This is one of our flagship projects, every year we organise a school debate competition in commemoration of World Environment Day,” she explained.
Ohajinwa said that the objectives of the programme was aimed to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving on climate issues.
“C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment remains committed to empowering young people through environmental education, dialogue, leadership development, and community engagement initiatives.
“We inspire climate action and environmental stewardship and to promote inclusivity by engaging students from schools serving persons with disabilities amongst others,” she explained.
Mrs Rachael Omenta, an environment expert with the Abuja Environmental Protection Board attributed climate challenges to human activities and urged citizens to desist from all activities that could endanger the environment.
Naanee Neme, a student of Government Secondary School Gwarinpa, Abuja, expressed satisfaction over the debate and urged more climate actions to ensure climate justice.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a total of 12 schools participated in the event, representing public, private, military, and special education institutions.
These schools; Nigeria Tulip International Colleges and Government Secondary School Kubwa, came first, with a tie, School for the Gifted Gwagwalada, second, NAOWA College, third and His Excellence International School came fourth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
