The Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) has called for urgent, coordinated action to address the growing impact of climate change on public health, livelihoods and the environment, warning that Nigeria can no longer treat the crisis as a future concern.

The call was made on Thursday during a media roundtable on “Climate Change, Health, and the Nigerian Reality” held at the NAS Secretariat, University of Lagos, Akoka, where scientists and media experts urged governments, communities and journalists to work together to build a climate-resilient Nigeria.

In her opening remarks, Public Affairs Secretary of NAS, Professor Chinedum Babalola, a Fello of the Academy of Science, (FAS), stressed that science must move beyond laboratories and academic journals to shape public policy and improve lives.

She described the media as the critical bridge between scientific evidence and public action.
“Science must not remain in journals and laboratories.

It must speak to policy, to business, and to the Nigerian people. You are the bridge that translates evidence into action,” she said.

Babalola noted that Nigerians are already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change through devastating floods, cholera outbreaks, worsening cardiovascular diseases, food insecurity and rising respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution.

Quoting the World Health Organization, she said climate change remains “the single biggest health threat of the 21st century,” urging institutions to embrace Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and move from endless discussions to measurable actions that improve lives.

She further called for indigenous solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique realities instead of relying solely on imported approaches.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NAS, Dr. Doyin Odubanjo, described climate change as one of the greatest challenges confronting the country.

He said the roundtable was designed to bring together scientists, policymakers, health professionals and the media to identify practical, evidence-based solutions that would safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians.

According to him, collaboration among stakeholders remains essential for building a healthier and more resilient nation.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Professor Babajide Babalola Alo, FAS, warned that climate change has become an existential threat, affecting health, agriculture, national security, economic development and social stability.

“Climate change is no longer a future problem; it is already affecting our health, livelihoods and economy,” he declared.

He cited recent flooding across Lagos and other parts of Nigeria as clear evidence that climate change is already unfolding, explaining that rising temperatures, sea-level rise, coastal erosion, desertification and changing rainfall patterns continue to threaten communities across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

According to Alo, vulnerable groups—including women, children, farmers, fisherfolk, the elderly and persons living with disabilities—bear the greatest burden.

He warned that climate change fuels malaria, dengue fever, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular illnesses, hunger, displacement and even insecurity.

He explained that shrinking Lake Chad, desertification and loss of livelihoods have worsened poverty and contributed to farmer-herder conflicts as well as the recruitment of unemployed youths by extremist groups.

Alo urged Nigeria to strengthen implementation of its National Climate Change Policy, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), the Great Green Wall initiative and erosion control programmes while empowering state and local governments with greater funding and technical capacity.

He also advocated cleaner energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, better waste management, forest restoration, climate finance, community participation and the use of indigenous knowledge.

Responding to questions, Alo blamed poor waste disposal and blocked drainage systems for worsening flooding.

“Changing our lifestyle is part of climate action,” he said, encouraging waste segregation, recycling and wider adoption of renewable energy such as solar power.

Speaking on the role of the media, science journalist Mr. Wale Fatade urged reporters to simplify scientific information so ordinary Nigerians can understand how climate change affects their health and everyday lives.

He said journalists should move beyond merely reporting disasters by explaining the science, highlighting solutions and sustaining public pressure on leaders.

“Climate reporting should go beyond describing disasters. It should explain the science, highlight solutions and keep climate issues consistently on the national agenda,” Fatade said.

The speakers agreed that tackling climate change requires stronger political commitment, improved public awareness, increased grassroots participation, better access to climate finance and sustained collaboration among scientists, policymakers, communities and the media.

They maintained that every Nigerian has a role to play in protecting the environment and securing a healthier, climate-resilient future, reminding participants that “there is no Planet B.”