Nigeria has launched its first National Household Survey on Climate Change as part of efforts to strengthen climate governance through data-driven and gender-responsive policymaking.
The initiative, co-led by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is designed to generate nationally representative data on how climate change affects households across the country’s five climatic zones, with emphasis on gender and social inclusion.
The survey, scheduled to run from May 14 to 21, 2026, forms part of the Gender Inclusive Climate Change Governance (GENCGOV) research programme funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with partners across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the launch, Associate Professor at the University of Bradford and Principal Investigator of GENCGOV, Dr Pedi Obani, stressed the importance of gender-disaggregated data in climate policymaking.
“Without gender-disaggregated data, climate policy is flying blind.
“This groundbreaking national survey marks a major step toward inclusive, evidence-based climate governance in Nigeria by generating critical insights into how climate change affects women and men differently across diverse climatic zones,” she said.
Obani stated that the findings would help policymakers move away from broad assumptions and adopt more inclusive, data-driven approaches to climate governance.
According to her, the survey would also strengthen Nigeria’s leadership in gender-responsive climate governance and improve its credibility in global climate negotiations.
Executive Director of the Environmental Law Research Institute (ELRI), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), described the initiative as a “watershed moment” for Nigeria.
“The inauguration of Nigeria’s first National Household Survey on Climate Change is a watershed moment in building a more resilient, equitable and climate-just future,” he said.
Fagbohun added that integrating gender-disaggregated and intersectional data into climate research would ensure that policies reflect the realities faced by communities.
“This survey will support national and state governments to move beyond generic adaptation measures towards data-driven, gender-responsive interventions that reflect local vulnerabilities and priorities,” he said.
He added that the survey findings would be presented at the GENCGOV International Conference scheduled for June 2026 in Abuja.
The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Mr Adeniran Adeyemi, said reliable and inclusive data remained essential for effective policymaking in addressing climate challenges.
“The National Bureau of Statistics is proud to implement Nigeria’s first National Household Survey on Climate Change. Reliable, inclusive data are essential for effective policymaking, particularly in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change,” he said.
Adeyemi explained that the survey would provide critical evidence on how climate change affects households differently and support the development of responsive and gender-sensitive policies for sustainable development.
Chairman of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, also stressed the importance of the survey’s gender-focused approach.
