NHRC sets up committee on climate-driven human rights violations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has officially launched a National Working Committee dedicated to addressing human rights violations linked to climate change in Nigeria. The initiative was announced during a formal inauguration held on Tuesday, emphasizing the growing recognition of climate change as a critical human rights concern rather than merely an environmental challenge. The committee, established through a joint effort involving the NHRC, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the National Council on Climate Change, aims to ensure that the rights and dignity of citizens are protected as the country confronts the challenges posed by climate change. The collaboration underscores a broader strategy to integrate human rights considerations into national climate policy frameworks. Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, highlighted the urgency of the situation, urging Nigerians to recognize the profound impact of climate change on everyday life. He described how rising temperatures have led to families losing their homes, farmers facing economic ruin, and entire communities being displaced. Ojukwu emphasized that these issues are not abstract concerns but real-life struggles that demand immediate attention and action. The working group will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and international development partners. This collaborative approach is intended to foster comprehensive strategies that protect vulnerable populations while promoting sustainable development. Ojukwu stressed that each affected community, whether flooded, displaced, or struggling with food insecurity, has a story that must be acknowledged and addressed. During the inauguration ceremony, key officials reaffirmed their support for the initiative. Yussuf Kelani, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Climate Change, confirmed the presidency's backing for the committee's work. Iniobong Awe, representing the Minister of Environment, reiterated the ministry's commitment to implementing inclusive climate policies. Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, underscored the tangible effects of climate change, citing increased flooding, population displacement, and heightened tensions between farmers and herders. Additional participants, such as Priscilla Achakpa, founder of the Women Environmental Programme, and Aliyu Ahmed, Commissioner for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, pledged their support for advancing climate justice, particularly for marginalized groups. Their involvement highlights the cross-sectoral nature of the initiative and the shared responsibility of safeguarding human rights amid environmental crises. The NHRC stated that the formation of the working group represents more than just the creation of another bureaucratic body, it signifies a firm commitment to placing people at the heart of climate action. The commission emphasized that protecting the environment must go hand-in-hand with protecting human dignity, reinforcing the idea that when individuals suffer due to climate change, ensuring their rights becomes a collective duty. Nigeria has experienced increasingly erratic weather patterns, with extreme rainfall, prolonged droughts, and intense heatwaves contributing to widespread hardship. In 2025, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that floods affected 25 states, resulting in over 200 deaths and extensive displacement. Recent advisories from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency warn of a medium flood risk in 17 states from July 21 to 27, including regions such as Adamawa, Bauchi, and Imo. These developments highlight the ongoing threat posed by climate-related disasters and the urgent need for coordinated responses that prioritize both environmental sustainability and human well-being.