By Muhammad Amaan
Nigeria is among the riskiest countries for children facing climate threats, yet it remains one of the least prepared, according to a new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The report titled “The Nigerian Child 2025,” obtained by our correspondent on Sunday, stated that systemic gaps in infrastructure, policy, and emergency response leave children dangerously exposed when disasters strike.
Nigeria faces a growing threat from climate change, including floods, droughts, desertification, and extreme heat.
These environmental pressures have far-reaching effects on children, who are among the most vulnerable populations.
It noted, “Nigeria is one of the riskiest countries for children facing climate threats, yet it is one of the least prepared.
“Systemic gaps in infrastructure, policy, and emergency response leave children exposed when disasters strike. Family incomes collapse under these pressures, and children pay the price through malnutrition, missed schooling, and illness.
“Air pollution adds another danger, with Nigeria recording the world’s highest rate of pneumonia deaths from pollution among children under five years.”
The report said the environmental threats are made worse by poor access to clean water and sanitation.
It emphasized that for many families, safe drinking water and decent toilets are impossible dreams.
The report added, “Millions rely on contaminated water sources that carry disease. Diarrhoea, cholera, and other illnesses kill young children, especially in rural and poor communities. Open defecation is common, making basic hygiene nearly impossible.
“Children in low-income families tend to live in areas hit hardest by climate change while possessing the fewest resources to cope with the impact. When water runs dry or crops fail, poor children go hungry, miss school, or fall sick.
“Girls are especially affected, spending hours fetching water and caring for siblings, often at the cost of their education and well-being.
“These challenges extend into schools and health facilities, many of which lack basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Without clean water, safe toilets, or handwashing stations, children struggle to stay healthy and attend school regularly.
Girls face added difficulties in managing their menstrual periods with dignity. Without reliable water, health centres, too, are unable to provide proper care, leaving their patients at risk and communities underserved.”
