650,000 Nigerian children displaced by flood in 7 years - UNICEF

Nigeria has now become the country most susceptible to the impact of climate change on children worldwide, as reported by UNICEF. A staggering 650,000 children have been compelled to abandon their homes due to flooding, marking a troubling trend observed between 2016 and 2023.

In a statement released to mark the 2023 World Children’s Day (WCD) on Tuesday, UNICEF highlighted that over 110 million Nigerian children are now at risk due to the escalating impact of rising temperatures, severe storms, floods, and droughts, according to the United Nations agency.

Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to address the pressing issue of climate change. He emphasized the necessity for a swift and comprehensive strategy that considers the requirements of marginalized groups, especially women and children, at both the decision-making and implementation stages.

“As one of the countries most severely exposed to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria’s response to climate change must be rapid and all-encompassing, taking into consideration the needs of vulnerable populations, including children and women, at both the decision-making and implementation levels of the National Climate Change Action Plan,” stated Dr. Dahiru.

This report surfaces at a time when the nation is grappling with recurrent flooding across various states. In September, NiMet issued a warning predicting heavy downpours in the coming months.