In a hall filled with faith leaders, activists, and climate advocates, the message was clear: climate action is a moral duty. 

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, religious leaders from various faiths convened for the Multi-Faith Dialogue on Strengthening Grassroots Coalitions for an Ambitious Nigerian NDC. The gathering aimed to mobilize faith communities to advocate for stronger climate policies in Nigeria. 

Organized by GreenFaith Africa, the dialogue underscored the critical role of religious leaders in championing climate justice, a fair energy transition, and the gradual phasing out of fossil fuels. 

Meryne Warah – Global Director of Program – GreenFaith

GreenFaith Global Programme Director, Meryne Warah, highlighted the significance of faith communities in influencing climate policies. 

“Faith leaders have a unique moral authority. They can bridge the gap between policy and grassroots action, mobilising their communities to demand stronger climate commitments from the government.” 

Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change is evident, from the desertification of the North to the rising sea levels and oil spills wreaking havoc in the South. These environmental challenges continue to exacerbate poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. 

Reverend Sister Lilian Chibiko urged faith-based organizations to take immediate action. 

Rev. Sister Lilian Chibiko

“Our values of compassion, justice, and stewardship transcend doctrines. Together, they can become the foundation of a more just and sustainable Nigeria.” 

The event also served as a training platform, equipping faith leaders with the knowledge and skills to engage policymakers effectively. 

GreenFaith Africa’s Programme Manager, Pius Oko, emphasized the need for direct advocacy. 

“Many times, political leaders come to faith leaders for blessings before elections. This influence must now be used to push for policies that prioritise renewable energy and climate justice,” he said. 

In an interview with journalists, Oko further noted that faith leaders are often at the forefront of crises, providing shelter and support to those displaced by climate-related disasters such as floods and desertification. Now, they are being called upon to take a more proactive role in policy advocacy. 

A major resolution from the dialogue was the creation of an Interfaith Climate Action Platform, where faith leaders and policymakers can engage regularly to address environmental concerns and hold the government accountable. 

Religious institutions were also encouraged to lead by example by adopting solar energy and other renewable solutions in churches and mosques. 

Beyond policy advocacy, Oko stressed the need for justice for communities affected by years of environmental degradation. In the Niger Delta, oil spills have rendered farmlands barren and water sources unsafe for consumption. 

“We have called on Shell and other oil giants to take full responsibility for the damage they have caused.” 

“This means a total clean-up of affected areas and reparations for the communities that have suffered.” 

Faith leaders have extended their advocacy beyond Nigeria’s borders, engaging the Japanese Parliament and other international bodies to demand an end to fossil fuel investments in Africa. 

“What they call development is actually displacement and destruction,” said Oko. 

“Instead of financing drilling and mining, they should support sustainable agriculture, which is the backbone of African livelihoods.” 

Imam AbdulMalik Tanko

Deputy Imam of the Rivers State Central Mosque, Abdulmalik Tanko, urged individuals to embrace tree planting and greenery to help reduce carbon emissions. 

“Many of us, we don’t like to even have green vegetations around our houses, there is a great reward when we do so, we should keep planting trees this is what we are advocating for, it is our responsibility to collectively fight climate change. The time for delay and excuses are over, let’s take action now.” 

Aisha Moore, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs

For many participants, the dialogue was a revelation. A representative of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs (Women’s Wing), Aisha Moore, shared her takeaway from the event. 

“What I gained is awareness is all about and for us to take home the training we got here to go and give to the grassroot people and those that don’t know anything about it.” 

As discussions wrapped up, faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for a Nigeria where climate policies go beyond rhetoric and become a reality.  Rooted in moral and spiritual authority, their voices are now united, demanding justice, accountability, and a sustainable future for generations to come.