Dear Reader

Imagine a world where the voices of the young are not just heard but drive transformative change. A world where the energy of youth protests ignites policies that safeguard our planet for generations to come. In Nigeria, this vision is not a dream—it’s a reality being forged by a generation of fearless, passionate, and innovative young leaders. They are the heartbeat of the climate justice movement, turning their chants in the streets into policies that protect communities, ecosystems, and futures. This is their story, and it’s a call for you to join them.

Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million people, is at the frontline of the global climate crisis. Despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, its people face devastating floods, desertification, and resource conflicts exacerbated by climate change. In 2022 alone, floods displaced 1.4 million Nigerians, killed over 600, and destroyed 200,000 homes. Yet, in the face of these challenges, Nigeria’s youth are not standing idly by. They are mobilizing, organizing, and demanding action—transforming their protests into policies that prioritize climate justice.

In this newsletter, we’ll take you on a journey through the rise of Nigeria’s youth-led climate justice movement. From the streets of Lagos to the halls of global summits, young Nigerians are rewriting the narrative of climate action. We’ll explore their strategies, celebrate their victories, and show you how you can be part of this unstoppable force for change. Let’s dive in.

The Spark: Why Nigeria’s Youth Are Rising Up

Nigeria’s youth, making up over 60% of the population, are uniquely positioned to lead the climate justice movement. They are the largest generation in history—1.8 billion strong globally, with millions in Nigeria alone. They are also the ones who will inherit the consequences of today’s inaction. From the shrinking Lake Chad in the north to the oil-polluted Niger Delta in the south, young Nigerians are witnessing the climate crisis firsthand. Droughts are fueling conflicts between farmers and herders, floods are sweeping away livelihoods, and heatwaves are making life unbearable for the poorest communities.

For activists like Adenike Oladosu, a 31-year-old Nigerian climate leader, the crisis is personal. Growing up in Ogbomosho, she saw how climate change disrupted agricultural communities, sparking her passion for environmental justice. In 2019, she founded ILeadClimate, a pan-African movement advocating for the restoration of Lake Chad and youth involvement in climate action through education. Her story is one of many, as young Nigerians channel their frustration into action, inspired by global movements like Fridays for Future and local challenges like the 2022 floods that ravaged 33 states.

These young leaders are driven by a powerful sense of justice. They know that Nigeria, like much of Africa, bears the brunt of a crisis it did not create. While the Global North emits the lion’s share of greenhouse gases—China and the US alone account for nearly half of global emissions—Nigeria faces disproportionate impacts. This injustice fuels their resolve to demand accountability, not just from their government but from corporations and global leaders.

From Streets to Solutions: The Power of Youth Protests

The climate justice movement in Nigeria began with grassroots protests, often sparked by young people who refused to accept the status quo. Inspired by Greta Thunberg’s school strikes in 2018, Nigerian youth joined the global Fridays for Future movement, organizing strikes in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo. These protests were more than just marches—they were a declaration that young people would no longer wait for adults to act.

Lekwa Hope Anya, a 22-year-old activist who works with SUSTYVIBES, a youth-led group focused on sustainable community projects. Instead of leading street protests, Anya uses digital platforms to educate Nigerians about climate impacts, from Instagram Live sessions to podcasts. His work with the Loss and Damage Coalition, a global network of 530 youths, amplifies demands for compensation for communities hit hardest by climate change.

In 2019, Oladosu Adenike joined millions worldwide in the global climate strike, calling for solidarity between the Global North and South. Her message was clear: “What happens to us from 2030 to 2050 is in the hands of today’s leaders.” Her protests, alongside those of thousands of others, brought climate change to the forefront of Nigeria’s public discourse, pressuring policymakers to listen.

These protests are not just about raising awareness, they’re about building community power. Organizations like the POP (Protect Our Planet) Movement, launched in Nigeria in 2021, have partnered with over 20 groups, including Plogging Nigeria and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, to educate communities and advocate for policy change. By uniting youth activists, NGOs, and community leaders, these movements are creating a collective force that cannot be ignored.