Organisers of the Climate Equity Project have called for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community actors to address the growing impacts of climate change across Nigeria.
This was the concession during the Climate Equity Validation Session in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
The project, implemented by NETHOPE, the Youth in Agroecology and Restoration Network (YARN) and Ushahidi, aims to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities in Oyo, Osun and Ondo states.
The Implementation Manager for Ushahidi, Ms. Rhoda Omenya, said the presence of government officials at the validation meeting was a positive indication that the presented data would influence climate adaptation efforts.
“I’m very glad that we had some government representatives in the session, which means they agreed with the data outputs.
“Once the final report is compiled, we hope to present it to them for use in strengthening their adaptation and mitigation strategies.
“I’m hoping this informs climate action policies in the three states, and even nationally,” she said.
Mr. Seyi Olawuyi of YARN said the project exposed the scale of neglect in rural and riverine communities, where residents had repeatedly called for government intervention.
According to him, the data reveal that communities need urgent help.
“We realised that government hands do not reach many of these areas. Flooding is a common problem across Oyo, Osun and Ondo states.
“People complain bitterly about excessive rainfall and the lack of functional drainage systems.
“We are urging the government to do more by providing proper drainage and strengthening infrastructure,” Olawuyi said.
He further stated that CSOs, government agencies and community leaders must jointly undertake awareness creation and sensitisation exercises.
“None of us can do it alone. There should be synergy among all stakeholders so we can provide sustainable solutions,” he said.
Also, Climate Intersections Project Coordinator at NETHOPE, Mrs. Aminat Adebayo, said the initiative aligned with the organisation’s climate equity pillar, which sought to integrate community voices into climate policy.
“Nigeria is clearly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
“People know they are being affected. That is, farmers know and communities know.
“They may not call it climate change, but they understand that rainfall patterns have shifted and weather conditions are no longer stable,” she said.
Adebayo said earlier projects in Uganda showed that climate impacts, such as flooding and drought, could even trigger secondary crises, including gender-based violence.
She noted that similar realities informed the organisation’s work in Nigeria.
Adebayo also identified gaps between climate science and local implementation.
“There’s a huge disconnect between what is discussed at global platforms and how it is translated into local action.
“Government involvement is still limited, especially in enforcing policies that address these challenges,” she said.
According to her, participants agreed that collaboration among government, CSOs and community-based groups remains central to tackling Nigeria’s climate challenges.
“People are aware and ready to make changes, but the support system must work,” Adebayo said.
She further stated that the Climate Equity Project’s final report would guide climate adaptation and mitigation programming across the three participating states and support broader national climate-action planning.
The findings highlight recurring climate-related concerns, particularly flooding, excessive rainfall, poor drainage, and low government presence in the most-affected communities.
By Ibukun Emiola