Oxfam in Nigeria and its partners have successfully unlocked ₦15.5 billion in local climate financing, promoting climate-smart livelihoods such as beekeeping, briquette production, and tree planting across the country.

The announcement was made by John Makina, Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, during the close-out of the organization’s five-year programmes: Power of Voices, Fair for All (F4A), and African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ). The event also featured the launch of a documentary and magazine highlighting the milestones achieved.

Makina described the initiatives as “a journey of courage, partnership and transformation,” emphasizing that communities, when empowered, can actively lead in governance, climate justice, and economic accountability.

Key Achievements

• Environmental Impact: 15,500 seedlings were cultivated through community nurseries, and 3,500 clean cooking stoves were distributed in Bauchi State to reduce emissions and improve health.
• Community Empowerment: 256 community volunteers, including persons with disabilities, were trained in briquette production and other nature-based solutions.
• Economic Empowerment: Women beneficiaries reportedly earned between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000 through climate-friendly enterprises.
• Civic Engagement: Over 10 million Nigerians were reached through the Follow the Money media platforms, youth civic clubs, and Freedom of Information coalitions.
• Media Capacity: 500 journalists were trained in climate reporting, and 664 citizens were mobilized through the Africa Climate Caravan.

Makina also credited partner organizations such as CISLAC, Connected Development (CODE), and BudgIT Foundation for their pivotal roles in ensuring the success of these programs. He further acknowledged the Government of the Netherlands for funding the project.

Partner Insights

Speaking on behalf of the partners, Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, stated that the programmes delivered “transformative reforms, bold advocacy, and unprecedented community-led impact.” He highlighted achievements in tax justice campaigns, transparency in the extractive sector, and support for the passage of four new tax laws and government approval of over $1 billion for port upgrades.

Despite donor funding coming to an end, Rafsanjani emphasized that sustaining the gains now rests with Nigerians, citing ongoing inequalities, corruption, and climate challenges.

Meanwhile, Henry Ushie, Programme Manager at Oxfam in Nigeria, added that communities were empowered to access allocated funds, demand transparency, and ensure resources were reinvested locally.

“The work has equipped communities to speak, act, and lead, ensuring that climate finance and governance reforms benefit those who need them most,” Ushie said.