UNICEF: How floods displaced 650,000 Nigerian children in 7 years

UNICEF: How floods displaced 650,000 Nigerian children in 7 years

Floods have displaced 650,000 Nigerian children, making the country the second most exposed globally to the impacts of climate change on children.

The alarming displacement of children by floods occurred between 2016 and 2023.

This was contained in a press release by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), issued to journalists on Monday as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark 2023 World Children’s Day (WCD) every November 20.

The U.N. Agency highlighted that more than 110 million Nigerian children are in jeopardy, grappling with the harsh consequences of escalating temperatures, floods, droughts, and severe storms.

 Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, emphasised the urgency of Nigeria’s response to climate change.

He urged a swift and comprehensive approach that considers the needs of vulnerable populations, especially children and women, at both decision-making and implementation levels.

He said: “As one of the countries that suffer the greatest exposure to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria’s response to climate change must be swift and holistic, accounting for the needs of vulnerable people, including children and women, at the decision-making level, as well as in the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan.”

Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, underscores the significance of this celebration as a pivotal platform for children, who bear the brunt of climate change, to articulate their concerns and experiences.

Their contributions, he asserted are vital in shaping a collective path toward a sustainable and resilient future.

He said: “This celebration is a crucial platform for our children, the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences. Their input is essential in shaping our collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.”