Lagos: A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Natural Justice, with the backing of African Activists for Climate Justice, has initiated a two-day focused training session on climate change litigation for female lawyers throughout Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria reports the workshop aims to equip women in the legal profession with the knowledge and tools necessary to address climate justice through the courts.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Country Manager of Natural Justice, Mr. Michael Karikpo, highlighted the essential role of women in climate activism during the training held on Wednesday in Lagos. Karikpo noted that women were disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. He emphasized existing legal frameworks, such as the Climate Change Act and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions, which provide avenues for holding duty bearers accountable. However, he pointed out concerns about the lack of preparedness and transparency, especially concerning the management of Nigeria’s ecological fund.
Karikpo advocated for the integration of climate change awareness and litigation into the legal education curriculum, underscoring the importance of empowering female lawyers to amplify vulnerable voices and advance environmental justice.
In a presentation titled ‘Climate Change Litigation in Nigeria: An Evolving Trend,’ environmental lawyer and consultant Mr. Ishaku Mshelia discussed the link between scientific exposure to climate risks and the necessary legal responses. Mshelia referred to the Paris Agreement and Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent, describing the Climate Change Act as a foundation for legal engagement. He stressed the need to enhance the judiciary’s understanding of climate litigation while strengthening the capacity of lawyers to lead this effort.
Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), elaborated on the science of climate change and its severe consequences for Nigeria. He pointed out that despite being among the least contributors to climate change, Nigeria faces some of the most devastating effects. Arigbabu highlighted the significance of understanding the crisis through science and responding with legal measures. He identified issues such as gas flaring, inadequate policy responses, and weak enforcement mechanisms as urgent concerns.
Arigbabu urged participants to leverage their legal expertise to challenge injustices and protect the rights of the most affected populations, particularly women and children. ‘Your role is not just to fight for laws, but to fight for lives,’ he added.
NAN reports that the training represents a significant step toward promoting gender-inclusive climate justice and building a legal community capable of confronting the climate crisis through strategic litigation and advocacy.