Concerned with the obvious absence of climate change and environmental issues in the conversations leading up to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, three frontline environmental organizations in Nigeria- Health of Mother Earth Foundation, We the People, and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa- on the 7th of February 2023, held a Town Hall Meeting for Presidential Candidates in the forthcoming elections. The Town Hall Meeting which was hosted by the University of Abuja provided a platform for presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria to discuss their plans and strategies for addressing critical environmental and climate challenges facing the country. 

Presidential Candidates spoke on their plans towards addressing the plethora of environmental and climate crises, with devastating consequences on the economy and the wellbeing of the Nigerian people. Particularly, the candidates provided insights on managing Nigeria’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rises -which have now become an annual occurrence- and extreme weather conditions leading to flooding, desertification, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. In addition to severe climate impacts, candidates also shared ideas on tackling Nigeria’s severe oil pollution, and displacement of locals in the oil-bearing communities, as well as the need to initiate an immediate cleanup of the Niger Delta region. 

The meeting which brought together four Presidential Candidates was attended by members of the University of Abuja community including the Vive Chancellor, civil society actors, political parties, and the media. Candidates made far-reaching commitments to addressing key climate and environmental concerns in Nigeria if elected.