UNCCD COP16: Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim Pledges Action on Climate Change, Empowers Women
Oru Leonard
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim took the stage at the UNCCD COP16 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to address the pressing issue of land degradation and desertification. The Minister emphasized that these environmental challenges extend beyond ecological concerns, threatening the very fabric of Nigerian communities, economies, and health.
Across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, the impact of land degradation is severe, creating a devastating cycle of poverty and insecurity. In the northeast, climate change intersects with conflict, displacing millions and exposing women and children to heightened risks of violence and exploitation.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made significant strides in strengthening its regulatory mechanisms, including the signing of the climate change bill into law and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change. The government has also launched Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan and adopted a Climate Gender Policy to empower women in climate action.
The Minister emphasized that empowering women is crucial in addressing climate change, as they play a vital role in sustainable development and environmental stewardship. To drive this effort, the Ministry of Women Affairs has committed to establishing a climate division and introducing a Women in Green Economy Program in 2025.
This program aims to engage women in planting 10 million economic trees, empower one million women in climate-smart agriculture, and transition one million households to clean cooking energy. The program also seeks to support 1,000 female-owned startups involved in climate-friendly businesses and train 500,000 women on agro-processing.
The Minister expressed confidence that with collaborative efforts from communities, nations, and international organizations, Nigeria can drive the Women in Green Economy program to success and significantly enhance the quality of life for millions of women and children.
(FMWA Press)
