Human rights organizations have called for the urgent enactment of climate-focused policies at the state and local government levels in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta to tackle environmental degradation, climate change, and recurrent flooding.
The call was made during a multi-stakeholder dialogue themed “Accelerating Climate Action”, organized by the Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (IHRHL) in Port Harcourt. Experts and stakeholders at the event emphasized the importance of localizing climate policies to ensure effective action at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Kelechi Ameachi, a consultant and climate advocate, highlighted the need to adopt a gender-sensitive climate action plan across local government areas.
“All we are pushing for is that the national action plan be localized and adopted by LGAs, without a policy, there’s no direction. Key sectors like energy, waste management, agriculture, health, and transportation cannot be addressed effectively without clear guidelines at the local level.”
He warned that the absence of policies at the grassroots has hindered interventions and awareness efforts, leaving rural communities vulnerable to climate impacts.
“We have witnessed major floods in 2012, 2020, and 2022. Yet, most LGAs see them as isolated events rather than effects of climate change. They only provide palliatives without long-term planning. A proper policy would guide pre- and post-disaster responses and help build resilience,” he added.
Dr. Ameachi stressed that a policy framework would enable civil society groups and communities to monitor and evaluate the impact of their interventions.
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In her remarks, the Executive Director of IHRHL, Mgbechi Ayakwee, said the organization has carried out awareness campaigns across rural communities in Rivers State, particularly targeting women and vulnerable groups.
“We discovered that many women were not even aware of what climate change is. Through our program, ‘Promoting Knowledge of Climate Change among Women, Girls, and Vulnerable Groups in the Niger Delta’, we educated them on the importance of tree planting and the dangers of deforestation,” she said.
According to her, participants learned how actions like planting trees could improve air quality and contribute to a healthier environment. She emphasized the need for sustainable strategies and partnerships to build climate resilience in Rivers State.
A representative from the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture also lent her voice to the dialogue, stressing the importance of environmental education in schools. She advocated for the return of agriculture to school curriculum, especially at the primary level.
“There is virtually no forest left in Rivers State. Children no longer recognize basic crops or understand soil types. We must reintroduce farming in schools and sensitize households to plant trees within their compounds,” she stated.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from civil society organizations, government representatives, and community stakeholders to collaborate on local climate action strategies and ensure the development and implementation of climate policies at the grassroots level.
