Nigeria announces gender-responsive climate initiatives

• The project aims to empower women in climate-smart agriculture, promote clean cooking energy, and train female climate champions to support local communities
  

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The Nigerian government is set to establish a Climate Division within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to lead sustainable, gender-responsive climate programmes.

Speaking at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, unveiled the initiative, which will include the launch of a Women in Green Economy Project in 2025.

The project aims to empower women in climate-smart agriculture, promote clean cooking energy, and train female climate champions to support local communities.

Mrs Sulaiman-Ibrahim described climate change as a critical issue for women, emphasising their role in driving solutions to environmental challenges.

She highlighted Nigeria’s recent climate strides, including the Climate Change Act, the National Council on Climate Change, and the Energy Transition Plan.

The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing climate issues through the Green Economic Initiative, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are steadfast in ensuring women are part of the solution to climate change and its effects,” she added.