Nigeria’s Minister Advocates Women’s Inclusion in Climate Change Planning  …. Commends Climate Council DG

Oru Leonard 

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, is advocating for women’s inclusion in all stages of climate action planning and implementation. This call to action emphasizes women’s critical role as both victims of climate change and key solution providers.

During a meeting with Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that women’s voices and perspectives must be incorporated into national climate strategies. The Minister also assured Dr. Maduekwe of the Ministry’s commitment to empowering women as agents of change in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.

According the Minister, “Women must be involved in all stages of climate action planning and implementation.

“Women are key stakeholders in the fight against climate change. We must ensure that their voices are heard, and their unique perspectives are incorporated into national climate strategies,” Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

She assured the Director General of the Ministry’s commitment to working with the National Council on Climate Change to empower women as agents of change in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.

Both parties agreed on the need to strengthen partnerships to ensure that women are not only protected from the adverse impacts of climate change but are also empowered to contribute to sustainable climate solution.

Dr. Maduekwe stressed that women are among the most affected by climate-related challenges, particularly in rural areas where they rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. She emphasized that women are not only victims of climate change but also key solution providers in combating its impacts.

“Climate change affects women disproportionately, but it also presents an opportunity for women to be at the forefront of sustainable solutions. Women are natural resource managers, caregivers, and community leaders. They have the capacity to drive climate resilience initiatives if given the necessary support and resources,” Dr. Maduekwe stated.

She called for increased collaboration between the National Council on Climate Change and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to develop gender-responsive climate policies and programs that will empower women to lead climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

The Minister commended Dr. Maduekwe for her dedication to advancing the climate change agenda with a gender perspective.