The Media Awareness and Justice Initiative (MAJI), a non-governmental organisation, has called on the Nigerian government to prioritise data-driven decision-making in the fight against climate change. The call was made during a stakeholder consultation forum organised by MAJI for civil society groups and environmentalists in Port Harcourt.
The forum, themed “Strengthening Data for Climate Action in Nigeria,” brought together key players in the environmental sector to discuss how accurate data can help shape effective policies, improve regulatory enforcement, and enhance public awareness on climate issues.
Speaking at the event, MAJI’s Executive Coordinator, Mr. Onyekachi Okoro, stressed that the lack of reliable data remains a major obstacle to effective environmental governance in Nigeria. He announced that MAJI would begin collecting critical environmental data and develop a baseline document that will be used to track progress and engage policymakers.
“This baseline document will be used to engage stakeholders, build capacity, and provide technical training to improve environmental governance across the country,” Okoro said.
He expressed deep concern over the deteriorating air quality in Port Harcourt, citing it as a public health emergency. According to him, the combined effects of fossil fuel production, artisanal refining, and gas flaring have created dangerous levels of air pollution. He also noted that emissions from vehicular movement and heavy machinery further compound the crisis.
“The government must use available data to shape effective climate policies and enforce environmental regulations. Protecting lives and livelihoods must be the top priority,” he said.
Okoro also called for widespread public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers of climate change and the need for sustainable environmental practices. He reaffirmed MAJI’s commitment to climate justice and the promotion of green energy alternatives, such as solar and other renewable energy sources.
Also speaking at the forum, Mr. Steve Obodoekwe, an environmentalist from the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development, highlighted the often-overlooked dangers of air pollution in the Niger Delta.
“While land and water pollution receive considerable attention, air pollution remains an invisible threat that poses a severe and silent toll on human health,” Obodoekwe said. He praised MAJI’s continued efforts to advocate for clean air in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta region.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment by participating organisations to collaborate on environmental data collection, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives to address Nigeria’s growing climate crisis.
