By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised concerns over the growing impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in Nigeria, calling for urgent action to address ecological challenges threatening communities across the country.

The group made the call in a statement issued on Friday to mark World Environment Day 2026, observed globally under the theme, "Climate Action – NowForClimate."

FENRAD said the annual event presents an opportunity for governments, corporations, communities and citizens to confront the realities of climate change and take concrete steps toward protecting the environment and securing a sustainable future.

In the statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organisation warned that the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly evident across Nigeria through flooding, erosion, desertification, deforestation, environmental pollution, declining agricultural productivity and threats to public health and livelihoods.

Nwafor said communities in different parts of the country are becoming more vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, stressing that the situation requires immediate and coordinated intervention from all levels of government and other stakeholders.

According to FENRAD, the ecological crisis remains particularly severe in the Niger Delta, where decades of oil exploration and exploitation have left many communities battling environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods.

The organisation expressed concern over persistent oil spills, gas flaring, contamination of rivers and groundwater, destruction of mangrove ecosystems and declining biodiversity in the region.

"Many communities in the Niger Delta continue to suffer from inadequate remediation, poor environmental governance, weak regulatory enforcement and limited access to environmental justice," Nwafor stated.

The group said the situation highlights the need to place environmental rights at the centre of governance and development policies.

FENRAD further warned that climate change is intensifying existing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta through rising sea levels, coastal erosion, increased flooding, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

It noted that without urgent intervention, the impacts could worsen poverty, displacement, food insecurity and social instability across affected communities.

Beyond the Niger Delta, the organisation said communities in the South-East continue to grapple with severe gully erosion, deforestation, unsustainable waste management practices and growing climate vulnerabilities.

FENRAD observed that many local governments remain ill-equipped to respond effectively to climate-induced disasters, leaving residents exposed to significant environmental and socio-economic risks.

As part of its recommendations, the group called on the Federal Government to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation policies while ensuring effective implementation of environmental regulations.

It also urged relevant ministries, departments and agencies to enforce environmental laws without fear or favour and hold polluters accountable for environmental violations.

The organisation challenged oil and gas companies operating in the Niger Delta to address environmental pollution, end gas flaring and embrace responsible environmental stewardship.

FENRAD further called on state governments to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, erosion control projects, flood management systems, afforestation programmes and renewable energy initiatives.

The group also appealed to the National Assembly and state legislatures to enact and strengthen laws aimed at protecting the environment and guaranteeing environmental justice.

In addition, it urged development partners and international institutions to support community-led climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration programmes, while encouraging citizens, especially young people, to participate actively in environmental protection and climate advocacy.

Nwafor stressed that environmental protection should not be viewed solely as an ecological issue but as a fundamental human rights concern.

"Every Nigerian deserves access to clean air, safe water, healthy ecosystems and a sustainable environment capable of supporting present and future generations," he said.

Reaffirming the organisation's commitment to environmental rights, climate justice, transparency, accountability and sustainable development, Nwafor urged governments, corporations and citizens to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps toward addressing the climate crisis.

"The future of our communities, our ecosystems and our nation depends on the actions we take today. Climate action cannot wait. Environmental justice cannot wait. The time to act is now," he added.