The Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) proudly participated in the official launch of the Nigerian Climate Justice Movement (CJM), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at building a unified, justice-centered response to the climate crisis in Nigeria. Held at Bolton White Hotel, Abuja, from May 6 to 7, 2025, the two-day event was organised by Greenpeace Africa and convened over 40 civil society organisations, policy actors, and climate justice advocates to co-develop strategies for inclusive environmental governance and climate resilience.
Day One: Building Foundations for collective action.
The first day of the event was dedicated to thematic presentations and knowledge sharing sessions. Experts and community champions led critical discussions in six priority areas:
1. Plastic Pollution
2. Oceans
3. Food Systems and Sovereignty
4. Oil and Gas Impacts
5. Energy Transition
6. Youth and Volunteer Engagement
These sessions underscored the urgency of aligning climate action with social and economic justice, especially for communities already bearing the brunt of climate-induced challenges. CHHELD engaged actively in the dialogues, contributing insights from its experience in grassroots environmental advocacy and human rights programming. The organisation also used the opportunity to connect with partners working in similar contexts to explore collaborative solutions to shared environmental concerns.
Day Two: Strategy Development, Leadership, and Local Innovation
The second day focused on shaping the operational and strategic direction of the CJM. One of the major highlights of the day was the formation of the CJM Nigeria Steering Committee, the movement’s principal governance body.
CHHELD is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Mr. Dandyson Harry, was nominated and accepted as a member of the CJM Steering Committee. This appointment recognises CHHELD’s consistent commitment to amplifying community voices in national climate policy and implementation processes.
Presentation of the "Fish for plastics" Project
During a plenary session, Mr. Harry presented CHHELD’s flagship environmental health initiative, titled “Fish for Plastic.” This innovative, community-based program operates in fishing communities along polluted rivers and waterways. It encourages fisherfolk to collect plastic waste entangled in their nets, rather than discarding it back into the water. The collected plastics are then exchanged for Micro-health insurance, Financial incentives, Livelihood support tools and services
The plastics recovered through the initiative are repurposed to construct public toilets in underserved areas where open defecation is prevalent. This intervention provides a holistic, circular solution that addresses pollution, public health, and sanitation in an integrated manner.
Adoption of the Climate Justice Declaration
A key outcome of the launch was the collaborative drafting and formal adoption of the Nigerian Climate Justice Declaration. This document now serves as a guiding framework for climate advocacy, policy engagement, and community action across the country.
CHHELD played an active role in the consultation process, contributing to sections of the declaration that reflect the lived realities of communities affected by extractive activities, particularly in the Niger Delta. The final declaration captures a shared vision of equity, accountability, and ecological sustainability.
Action Planning and Program Design
Participants were divided into breakout groups to co-design scalable and community-informed climate solutions. The sessions produced a range of innovative proposals, including:
1. Community-based awareness and education programs
2. Renewable energy access for off-grid areas
3. Ecosystem restoration and conservation projects
4. Models for circular economy implementation
These group activities reinforced the movement’s commitment to practical, localised interventions and underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
CHHELD’s Position and Forward Commitment
CHHELD affirms its strong support for the CJM’s core demands, including:
1. Environmental remediation of oil-polluted lands in the Niger Delta
2. Full compensation for impacted communities
3. An immediate end to gas flaring
4. Substantial investment in clean and renewable energy technologies
5. Rejection of carbon trading and other market-based mechanisms that undermine climate justice
As climate-related challenges such as flooding, displacement, and food insecurity intensify, CHHELD remains committed to advancing responses that centre justice, equity, and the rights of vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
CHHELD’s role in the CJM Steering Committee marks a strategic milestone in its advocacy for people-centred environmental governance. Through this platform, the organisation will continue to promote grassroots innovation, amplify underrepresented voices, and advocate for transparent and just climate action.
We look forward to working collaboratively with Greenpeace Africa and other CJM stakeholders to implement the national action plan, influence policy, and build a climate-just future across Nigeria and the West African subregion.
