UNICEF: 650,000 Children Displaced by Flood from 2016-2021

Funmi Ogundare 

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has expressed concern about the direct impact of climate change on children, saying that about 650,000 children have been displaced from 2016 to 2021 due to flood.

UNICEF Communications Officer in Nigeria, Safiya Akau, disclosed this recently at the World Children’s Day celebration of Child Rights and Climate Change awareness, where discussions centred around critical issues, such as direct health impacts of climate change on children, increased physical dangers, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition. 

Akau explained that Nigeria is the second most vulnerable country worldwide where children who are being exposed to climate change, face severe challenges. 

“Over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms.”

Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru, stated that as one of the countries that suffers the greatest exposure to adverse climate impacts, Nigeria’s response to it must be swift and holistic, as well as account for the needs of vulnerable people, including children and women, at the decision-making level, as well as in the implementation of the the National Climate Change Action Plan.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate described the celebration as a crucial platform for the children who are the most affected by climate change, to voice their concerns and experiences. 

“Their input is essential in shaping our collective path towards a sustainable and resilient future.” 

The celebration also highlighted collaborative efforts between the government, development partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector, focusing on advocacy, partnerships and climate education.