Climate change conversations are getting interesting and taking dynamic forms every passing day. It’s billowing past its western source to having a global common place.
In Nigeria, these conversations are getting bolder and embracing imaginative ways to advocate solutions better.
This week, Abuja will host a major workshop on Climate Action and Just Energy Transition, organised by the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation.
The two-day workshop brings together a diverse group of government leaders, private sector executives, civil society organisations, and international partners, all focused on a common mission: developing Nigeria’s own Country Platform for Climate Action (CPCA).
The CPCA is envisioned as a coordinated national framework to drive low-emission growth, mobilise climate finance, and ensure a just, inclusive transition to clean energy. Insights gathered will feed directly into Nigeria’s forthcoming National Development Plan (2026-2030), embedding climate action across key sectors such as power, transportation, agriculture, industry, and finance.
Ahead of the event, APRI released a background paper outlining practical strategies for Nigeria’s transition. Drawing lessons from global case studies, it offers a bold, locally tailored blueprint for achieving a sustainable, fundable, and inclusive climate future.
Meanwhile, as policy discussions intensify, a creative movement is sweeping across Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
The Herds, an innovative climate advocacy project, recently captivated Lagos audiences by blending powerful art with urgent environmental messages. Featuring life-size animal puppets made from recycled materials, The Herds showcased the story of wildlife fleeing their habitats, symbolising the devastating impacts of climate change.
Partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI), The Herds staged mesmerizing street performances and pop-up events across Lagos, sparking dialogue and encouraging community reflection on the climate crisis.
One of the project’s grand finales, titled “Both in Flight,” unfolded dramatically across Lagos Island, where renowned movement artist Qudus Onikekun led dancers and musicians alongside the magnificent puppets from Macarthy Road to the John Randle Centre. The blend of awe-inspiring visuals and stirring performances brought the climate story to life like never before.
The Nigeria edition of The Herds was steered by the Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA), collaborating with institutions such as Yaba College of Technology and Yaba Art Museum to bring the vision to reality.
Artistic Director Amir Zuabi explained the project’s heart: “We aim to create an emotional reaction to the climate crisis because we believe this is the only way to make people care. Awe and beauty are the missing sparks that transform curiosity into change.”
Supporting the initiative, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), described the puppets as “a powerful educational tool to inspire environmental protection among children and communities.”
Together, initiatives like the Climate Action Workshop and The Herds reflect a growing recognition that tackling climate change requires more than policies and pledges, it demands emotional connection, creativity, and collaboration across every sector of society.
