Ken Okeke
Key Civil Society Organization (CSOs) in Nigeria and climate advocates as well as concerned citizens demonstrated their commitment when they gathered in Abuja to mark the #DrawTheLine Day of Global Climate Action.
They joined millions worldwide in a united stand against climate injustice, poverty and environmental destruction.
Led by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), the Abuja Climate March 2025 amplified calls for urgent action as Nigeria faces intensifying floods, heatwaves and other climate-induced crises. The non state actors demanded an end to the use of public funds to subsidise industries that worsen environmental degradation, hunger and poverty, urging instead that resources be channelled toward sustainable development.
“We are drawing the line against destructive industries and demanding investments in a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for all Nigerians,” said the executive director of GIFSEP, Dr. Terungwa David, who spoke on behalf of the march conveners.
The movement presented six urgent demands: increased climate finance with stronger support for adaptation to protect vulnerable communities, debt cancellation to enable African nations like Nigeria redirect resources toward resilience, protection of territories of indigenous peoples and traditional communities, support for community-led solutions to environmental challenges, expedited passage of the Environmental Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) Bill before the National Assembly and greater citizen engagement with accountability measures to hold elected officials responsible for safeguarding the environment.
Participants framed the march as both a demand for justice and a rallying cry for future generations. They carried placards with messages such as “Environment First Politics Later” while hashtags including #AbujaClimateMarch2025, #DrawTheLine, #ESHIA, #ClimateJustice and #Adapt2Live gained traction online, signalling widespread public support.
“Our future cannot be mortgaged to the profits of industries that destroy lives and livelihoods,” Dr David stressed. “Only active citizens can reclaim our future and ensure justice for generations yet unborn.”
The Abuja action formed part of a global wave of demonstrations pressing governments, financial institutions and world leaders to prioritise people and the planet over short-term economic interests. Organisers emphasised that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where decisions on energy, agriculture and industrial development will determine whether the country adapts to climate realities or sinks deeper into crises.
Campaigners ended the march with a call on Nigerians to continue demanding accountability from leaders and to embrace environmentally sustainable lifestyles, warning that silence in the face of climate injustice is no longer an option.