By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) in collaboration with the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), have called on global leaders to deliver on climate pledges and advancing climate justice
The National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, Mr Stephen Abu, made the call during an advocacy “Keep Your Promise” campaign to Lokoja flooded areas, and to office of Kogi Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Olusegun Joseph.
Abu noted that the campaign was aimed at holding global leaders accountable for their climate pledges, particularly as they relate to climate finance and adaptation, ahead of COP29.
“The Keep Your Promise Campaign is an initiative launched by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) in 2023, aims to hold global leaders accountable for their climate action commitments.
“As we approach COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the campaign emphasizes the urgency of delivering on climate pledges and advancing climate justice.
“We are raising awareness about the severe impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities in Kogi State and across Africa, particularly the disproportionate burden borne by the continent.
“To also advocate for increased climate finance, focusing on adaptation, loss and damage, and resilience-building efforts for Africa, among others,” Abu said.
He stressed that severe impacts of climate change were deeply felt in Africa, where the consequences of global inaction have disproportionately affected vulnerable communities, despite the continent contributing less than 4 per cent of global emissions.
According to Abu, Kogi State, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, stands as a tragic testament to the devastating impacts of climate change.
He emphasised that most recently, over 200 communities in Kogi, have been submerged, displacing more than two million people.
“The annual floods, exacerbated by rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and deforestation, have wiped out homes, farmlands, and livelihoods, leaving communities in despair.
“These floods are not isolated incidents—they are part of a larger climate crisis that Africa faces due to the actions of high-emitting nations.
“Despite being the least responsible for climate change, Africa suffers its most catastrophic effects.
“The Kogi flooding crisis epitomizes the failure of global powers to deliver on their climate finance and justice promises.
“These promises, made in forums like the Paris Agreement, have not materialized on the scale necessary to protect the most vulnerable, who bear the heaviest burdens.
“The floods in Kogi State highlight an urgent need for climate justice. Millions remain displaced, living in makeshift shelters, with little to no access to clean water, sanitation, or healthcare.
“The devastation is a glaring reminder of the failure to meet the global commitment to limit warming to 1.5°C and to finance the adaptation measures essential for African communities.
“For Kogi, and many other African regions, climate justice is not an abstract concept—it is a matter of survival. As the world convenes for COP29, it is crucial for global leaders to “Keep Their Promise.
“COP29 should mark a turning point, where promises made are promises kept, ensuring that vulnerable communities in Africa are no longer left behind.
“The world can no longer delay meaningful action on climate finance, adaptation, loss and damage, and resilience-building measures.
“Global powers must acknowledge the moral and ethical imperative to protect Africa’s vulnerable populations, as their very lives depend on it.
“The people of Kogi State and millions across Africa cannot afford another year of unfulfilled climate pledges. The time to act is now.
“Africa needs robust climate finance, operationalized loss and damage mechanisms, and a concerted effort to limit global warming.
“Let COP29 be remembered as the moment the world finally delivered on climate justice,” Abu said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Hon. Olusegun Joseph, commended the CSDevNet and PACJA for the initiative, but called for improved support for State in tackling its flood issues
The commissioner said the state government under the leadership of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, has been doing its best to mitigate the flood effects by providing IDP camps and relief materials to flood victims.
He, however stressed that the state government cannot do it alone, and called on the federal government, corporate and international organisations to support the state, emphasising that the state is already overwhelmed.
Also speaking, Prof Dauda Tanko,the Founder of Green Haven Environment and Sustainable Development Network, said the campaign was to sensitise the people on how to hold global leaders accountable on the devastating effects of climate change.
“We expect the people to be aware that global leaders are responsible for mitigating and reducing the impact of climate change so that they can take action,” Dauda said.
It was gathered that the CSDevNet with other stakeholders conducted a physical march to flood areas in Lokoja with placards displaying key messages, calling for global leaders to keep their promises on climate action and finance.
The various inscriptions on placards include: “Honour Your Commitment”, “Scale Up Adaptation Financing”, “Pay For Your Climate Debts”, “Keep Your Promises”, “Stop Shifting Burden To Africa, “Carbon Markets Are False Solutions, Stop!”, among others