We the Nigerian youth from across the nation and in different spheres of life, use the occasion of this International Youth Day to define our vision for a Nigeria beyond climate change, a Nigeria that is the embodiment of sustainability and epitome of environmental preservation.

Unarguably, climate change has become one of our greatest foes. And for developing nations like ours, which bear the most brunt from this menace, the risk to our present and future could not be greater. As youths, we hear and recognize the echoes of suffering and misery from the millions of Nigerians who live in remote communities and have no protection--physical, financial, and otherwise--against the devastating effects of climate change. We recognize that our generation would be victims of even greater suffering in the future if we do not act to combat climate change in the present. Most importantly, we recognize that without commitment and radical action, our generations unborn would remain unborn for the rest of time.

Thus, we commit to stand together with the government at all levels, the private sector, and all relevant international agencies, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to reach the commitments and objectives specified in the Nigeria Climate Change Bill sponsored by Rep. Sam Onuigbo. Among other lofty goals, this Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for Nigeria’s efforts at climate change mitigation and adaptation; develop a carbon budget for Nigeria, aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions between 2050 and 2070; establish a Climate Change Fund; and increase national awareness through climate change education. 

We, the Nigerian youth, strongly believe in the potential of the Nigeria Climate Change Bill to transform the landscape of climate action in Nigeria. Such a Bill would increase our sensitivity to and perception of the varying effects of climate change in our nation, ensuring that our resources are being used to tackle root problems efficiently. It would solidify our position as a nation committed to climate action, providing an ethos with which to attract more investments and international support for environmental protection. And it would send a message to our hundreds of millions of citizens that our leaders have at heart the safety and survival of our people and environment, as these are the very systems that make a nation. For these reasons, we request that no time be wasted in passing the Bill into law.

In addition to this request, we now appeal to our policymakers, decision-makers, leaders, and all stakeholders to:

• Recognise, first and foremost, that young people are agents of positive change.
• Harness the potential and abilities of Nigerian youth, and utilize the skills that they bring to the table.
• Ensure that no young person is left behind or ignored in decision-making.
• Curb any attempts at tokenism and guarantee the absence of underlying political agenda.
• Ensure that our youth are involved in planning, monitoring, and review of policies and initiatives, at all levels of society.
• Advocate for youth to have a stronger role in community empowerment, and allow them to undertake these roles.

As we have mobilized ourselves in this warfare for our survival, we urge all young people across Nigeria, all Nigerians in the diaspora, and indeed all people across the globe, to join the movement and protect our nation’s future, even as we strive to protect the future of the entire world