The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says Nigeria is the second-most vulnerable country worldwide in terms of children’s exposure to climate change, with over 110 million children confronted with the harsh realities of rising temperatures.

This statement was made by Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, on Monday at an inter-school quiz competition in Gombe State as part of activities to mark the 2023 World Children’s Day.

Established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, the day is celebrated yearly on November 20 to promote international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide and improve children’s welfare.

According to her, Nigerian children are also confronted with flooding, drought and severe storms.

She stated that child displacement due to environmental disasters such as floods from 2016 to 2021 in Nigeria stood at 650,000.

“Events across the country saw children from various regions, including Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu, Sokoto, and Maiduguri, leading discussions on the significant impact of climate change on their lives and future,” Ms Mundate stated.

She explained that the discussions centred on the health impacts of climate change on children, including physical dangers, diseases and malnutrition.

“The event also shed light on the alarming rate of child displacement due to environmental disasters, with 650,000 children displaced from 2016 to 2021 due to floods.

“Over 110 million Nigerian children are at risk, having confronted the harsh realities of rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and severe storms,” she said.

Ms Munduate, however, said children’s input in this year’s celebration was essential in shaping stakeholders’ collective paths towards a sustainable and resilient future.

The officer in charge of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Clement Adams, said children must be celebrated, and a better environment must be put in place for them to thrive.

(NAN)