Religious Leaders Urged to Advocate for Stronger Climate Policies in Nigeria

The recent Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit in Abuja highlighted the urgent need for stronger climate policies in Nigeria, as religious leaders and advocates called for immediate action against escalating environmental degradation. Key figures urged faith organizations to pressure policymakers while emphasizing the ethical responsibility towards future generations.

Climate change presents a critical challenge in Nigeria, marked by increasing pollution, inadequate waste management, and environmental degradation threatening local communities. The recent Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit, organized by Connected Development (CODE) in Abuja, brought together religious leaders, civil society organizations, and climate advocates to underscore the urgency for immediate action to address Nigeria’s climate crisis. Attendees called for the implementation of significant environmental policies by lawmakers.

Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, the Executive Director of the Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, emphasized the necessity for religious organizations and citizens to advocate for stronger climate policies. He cautioned that if action is not taken, future generations will endure the consequences of current inaction. He remarked, “Religious organisations, civil society groups, and concerned citizens must mount pressure on our policymakers and legislators to take climate change seriously.”

Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu, Executive Director of The Da’awah Institute, highlighted the ethical responsibility of religious leaders to promote sustainability and intergenerational justice. He stated, “We are facing an urgent crisis and have a shared responsibility as religious leaders to this planet. It is what we pass on to the next generation.”

Rev. Fr. Attah Barkindo, Executive Director of the KUKA Center, pointed out the influential role of religious leaders in mobilizing their congregations for climate action. He mentioned, “Religious leaders have millions of followers listening to them weekly. If they understand climate change, they can shape public opinion and drive action.”

Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE, expressed concerns regarding Nigeria’s limited access to climate finance, noting that only 20% of available funds have been acquired, primarily through loans. He asserted the necessity for faith-based advocacy to pursue climate justice, stating, “Faith-based advocacy is critical. We must demand justice and ensure Nigeria is central to global climate discussions.”

The summit concluded with the unveiling of the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Report & Policy Brief, which outlines strategies for faith-driven environmental action.

The Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change Summit reveals a collective call from religious leaders and advocacy groups in Nigeria for decisive climate action. The emphasis on ethical responsibility, mobilization of followers, and the pursuit of climate justice underscores the critical role of faith communities in addressing environmental challenges. Moving forward, it is imperative that these voices influence policy decisions for a sustainable future.

Original Source: newscentral.africa