ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with Inspire Youth Network, has called for greater youth inclusion in climate change policies, urging the government to reflect young people’s priorities in the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).

Joseph Akaager, who works with ActionAid Nigeria on the Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPA II), made the call at the Southwest Regional Local Conference of Youth, organised to gather young people’s perspectives on climate change and contribute to a national youth statement ahead of global climate negotiations, including COP31.

Akaager said the initiative recognises young people as critical stakeholders in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable practices and achieve net-zero emissions.

He urged Nigerians to embrace green jobs, tree planting, circular economy initiatives and environmentally friendly practices, stressing that collective action was essential to building a sustainable future.
According to him, the conference would ensure that the national youth statement reflects the diverse climate realities of young people across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

He added that the statement would strengthen youth-led advocacy at national and international levels.
Akaager also called for climate justice, arguing that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, should not bear disproportionate financial burdens for a crisis to which they have contributed relatively little, while adequate climate finance and compensation remain critical concerns.
The Programme Manager, Inspired Youth Network, Oluwatoyin Adejokun, said the Southwest Regional Conference of youth (LCOY) 2026 was aimed at improving access to climate financing to enable young people implement community-based initiatives and contribute meaningfully to tackling climate change.

Adejokun said the meeting brought together young people who had undertaken climate-related activities in their communities, to incorporate their experiences and perspectives into decision-making processes. She noted that inadequate funding remained a major challenge for young climate advocates in Lagos State and the Southwest, urging stakeholders to create accessible funding opportunities to support youth-led climate projects.

Adejokun was optimistic that the initiative would amplify youth voices, identify climate financing gaps and develop solutions that promote inclusive climate action.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende, represented by the Deputy Director, Youth Education and Engagement, Mrs. Rashidat Umar, reaffirmed Lagos State government’s commitment to supporting youth-led initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

Ogunlende described climate change as both an environmental and youth development issue, urging young people to contribute meaningfully to climate solutions.

Ogunlende commended Inspire Youth Network for creating a platform to empower young people beyond conventional entrepreneurship and leadership training.

He urged participants to develop practical recommendations that would reflect the realities of Lagos, the Southwest and Nigeria at forthcoming climate engagements.