Journalists participate in a climate finance workshop in Abuja, learning to track funds, report on environmental issues, and enhance accountability.
Nigerian journalists have been urged to strengthen environmental reporting and track climate finance flows as the country grapples with growing climate vulnerabilities and a widening finance gap.
Speaking at a media discourse on Climate Finance held in Abuja, Hyeladzira Msheila, Acting CEO of Connected Development (CODE), alongside UNFCCC stakeholders, highlighted that effective media coverage can bridge the gap between global climate negotiations and local realities, ensuring funds reach the most vulnerable communities.
A joint report by CODE and Oxfam, on the State of Climate Finance in Nigeria, reveals that while Nigeria requires approximately $17.7 billion annually to address climate change, only $4.93 billion has been disbursed in the past seven years, leaving an estimated $7 billion financing gap.
The shortfall persists despite more than 200 climate-related projects implemented in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and water resources.
“The reliance on loans is deepening Nigeria’s debt burden, while grants that could alleviate fiscal pressure remain largely untapped,” the report notes, recommending the adoption of green budgeting to integrate climate targets into annual allocations.
The report further warned that reliance on loans is worsening Nigeria’s debt profile, while grants that could ease fiscal pressure remain largely underutilized. CODE recommended adopting green budgeting, urging ministries and agencies to integrate climate targets into annual budgets for more effective allocation.
Budget Analysis
- Adaptation projects: 56% of allocations
- Mitigation projects: 11%
- Administrative costs: 32%
- Climate education and finance mobilization: less than 0.5% combined
The Federal Ministry of Environment controlled 64% of the climate budget, focusing primarily on erosion control, flood management, and pollution prevention.
Calls for Reform
Enebi Opaoluwa, Head of Natural Resource and Climate Governance at BudgIT Foundation, stressed the need for transparency, citizen participation, and climate-responsive budgeting.
“Communities are already bearing the brunt of climate shocks. Without accountable use of funds, vulnerabilities will only deepen,” Opaoluwa warned.
The Nigerian Climate Change Council (NCCC) was identified as a key body in coordinating reforms, mobilizing domestic resources, and supporting state-level implementation.
Role of Environmental Journalism
Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja Bureau Chief of EnviroNews, emphasised the critical role of environmental reporting in enhancing accountability and amplifying the voices of vulnerable groups. He urged journalists to link Nigeria’s climate finance reporting to international frameworks under the UNFCCC, including the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Paris Agreement (2015).
“These agreements anchor climate finance as a central pillar, channelling resources from developed nations through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund,” Bisong said.
UNFCCC Process
Established in 1992, the UNFCCC guides global climate action, with annual Conferences of the Parties (COP) bringing together governments, scientists, and civil society to set targets, review progress, and negotiate finance mechanisms.
“Journalists have a responsibility to track how climate finance commitments are implemented, particularly for countries like Nigeria that are highly vulnerable to climate impacts.” Bisong Stated.
Climate Finance
Climate finance supports mitigation and adaptation projects, including renewable energy, reforestation, flood defenses, drought-resistant crops, and early warning systems. While developed countries are the primary funders, private investors and multilateral institutions also contribute.
Journalists were urged to:
- Verify whether pledged funds are grants or loans
- Track how funds reach local communities
- Translate complex financial figures into relatable stories
Practical Steps for Journalists
Experts recommended:
- Attending COP negotiation sessions and side events
- Engaging African delegations and civil society organizations
- Following official UNFCCC and Green Climate Fund reports
- Collaborating with international journalist networks to amplify Africa’s climate finance needs
“Reporting on climate finance is not just about numbers; it’s about showing how billions pledged globally affect farmers, coastal cities, and renewable energy access in Nigeria,” Echianu said.
Conclusion
With extreme weather events intensifying, experts argued that accurate reporting, inclusive governance, and transparent fund management are critical to bridging Nigeria’s climate finance gap.
Also by combining investigative journalism, storytelling, and international collaboration, media professionals can ensure that global pledges translate into tangible benefits, while safeguarding communities and advancing sustainable development.
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