The Federal Government has raised concern that climate change is emerging as a major threat to food security, livelihoods and national security across the country, calling on Nigerians to embrace climate action and sustainable environmental practices.

The Director of the Department of Climate Change at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, made this known on Thursday during a student dialogue organised by the C-Circle Foundation to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.

She was represented at the event by the Principal Scientific Officer in the department, Mrs Dolapo John-Akhigbe.

Abiola-Awe described climate change as the most defining challenge of the present generation, warning that its effects cut across all aspects of human life.

She noted that rising global temperatures, extreme weather conditions, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation are already affecting food production, water availability, health systems and national stability.

According to her, Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to climate impacts despite contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions. She added that the situation also presents an opportunity for the country to rethink its economic and environmental strategies.

The director disclosed that Nigeria has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent unconditionally and up to 52 per cent with international support by 2030, while also targeting net-zero emissions by 2060.

She highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the Climate Change Act 2021, the Energy Transition Plan, the Great Green Wall project and the National Adaptation Plan, all aimed at strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable development.

Abiola-Awe also urged young Nigerians to take active roles in climate action, describing them as key drivers of future environmental transformation.

Earlier, the Executive Director of the C-Circle Foundation for Sustainable Health and Environment, Chimere Ohajinwa, said the programme was designed to raise awareness among students about environmental challenges.

She explained that the annual event, held in commemoration of World Environment Day, focused on climate change and the need for a sustainable future.

Ohajinwa said Nigerians are already experiencing the effects of climate change through rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding and periods of drought.

She also warned that environmental changes are worsening agricultural challenges, contributing to food insecurity and increasing tensions in farming communities.

According to her, climate change is also driving broader socio-economic pressures, including displacement of rural populations and rising food inflation.

She noted that this year’s edition of the programme shifted from debate to dialogue to encourage deeper understanding and collective solutions to environmental challenges.

The event, held in Abuja, brought together students, government officials and environmental experts to discuss the impact of climate change on food systems, livelihoods and national security.

Experts at the dialogue emphasized that human activities continue to play a major role in environmental degradation, urging citizens to adopt responsible practices to protect natural resources.

Climate change remains a global concern, but its effects are increasingly visible in Nigeria through desertification, flooding, unpredictable rainfall patterns and growing food insecurity.