A Climate Justice Advocate, Mr. Oluwatobi OjuOluwa, has warned that worsening climate conditions in Nigeria are fuelling hunger, health challenges and economic instability across the country.
OjuOluwa said this in Ibadan on Thursday, January 8, 2026, while speaking on the current climate situation in Nigeria and Africa.
He noted that changing weather patterns had made rainfall unpredictable and disrupted seasonal cycles Nigerians once relied on.
He said that periods previously associated with harmattan and dry weather could no longer be clearly identified, adding that rain could no longer be predicted.
According to him, human activities such as improper waste management, bush burning, deforestation and fossil fuel exploitation are major drivers of climate change.
He added that these have far-reaching consequences for livelihoods and public health.
“If there is hunger in the land, there is economic instability.
“Aviation cannot work well because the weather is not palatable, there is food insecurity and health issues, all of which are linked to climate change,” he said.
OjuOluwa explained that climate action, captured under Goal 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was central to achieving other development targets, including poverty reduction, food security and improved health outcomes.
He also pointed out that although Africa contributes less than four per cent of global emissions, the continent bears a disproportionate burden of climate impacts due to limited resources to adapt and respond.
“The government cannot do it alone. Every individual is also a government in their own space. What am I doing? What are you doing? These are the questions we must ask,” he said.
The expert called on governments, non-governmental organisations and international partners, to scale up action through funding, capacity building and grassroots engagement, particularly by empowering young people to drive climate solutions.
He expressed optimism that sustained climate action would help address hunger, poverty, health challenges and inequality, while securing a better future for coming generations.
An environmental health specialist, Dr Festus Imuk, has called for the adoption of climate -smart practices to combat the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.
He said the government should promote drought –resistant crops, improve irrigation, integrate renewable energy, and enhance farmer education and financial access.
Imuk made the call in an interview on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, climate change is already reducing agricultural productivity in Nigeria and threatening rural livelihoods and food security.
“The effects occur through changes in rainfall, rising temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events.
“It cut across crops, livestock, fisheries, and farm incomes, and are especially severe because most Nigerian farming is rain-fed,” he said.
The expert said that promoting climate-smart agriculture would require developing and distributing improved seed varieties that can withstand extreme weather.
He said that crop rotation, agroforestry, and mixed farming should be encouraged to reduce risks.
“Government should further promote mulching, cover crops, and rainwater harvesting to maintain soil fertility and moisture,” he said.
The expert also called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to align with climate change agencies for coordinated action.
“Government should also establish climate information services to alert farmers about droughts, floods, and heat waves.
“Accordingly, deforestation should be prevented while promoting sustainable land management,” he said.
Imuk said digital tools such as mobile apps for weather forecasts, pest alerts, and market prices should be encouraged for usage.
“Solar-powered irrigation and cold storage reduce emissions and improve resilience.
“Climate-friendly machinery reduces dependence on manual labour and increases efficiency,’’ he said.
By Ibukun Emiola and Sylvester Thompson