By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Fight Inequality Alliance (FIA) Nigeria has warned that growing social and economic inequalities, now worsened by climate change are pushing millions of Nigerians deeper into hardship, calling for urgent reforms and community-driven action.
At a press briefing during its People’s Assembly in Abuja, the Convenor of FIA Nigeria, Ekaete Judith Umoh, said the alliance, which forms part of a global movement of thousands of organizations, is committed to challenging the widening gap between the privileged few and the struggling majority.
“Inequality is not inevitable; it is the result of human choices. And it can be changed by people’s power,” Umoh declared.
She explained that FIA Nigeria is working to build a fair, just, and inclusive society where power and resources are equitably shared, noting that the alliance focuses on economic justice, gender and social justice, climate and environmental justice, and accountable governance.
Umoh said the People’s Assembly exposed how climate change has intensified existing inequalities, especially among vulnerable groups such as women, youths, persons with disabilities, and rural dwellers who depend on natural resources for survival.
According to her, climate-related disruptions have already translated into rising food insecurity, severe health challenges, worsening poverty, displacement, and growing psychological strain on communities.
“Extreme weather is disturbing agricultural production, water-related diseases are increasing, and many communities are losing their livelihoods, Economic instability, power shortages, and even cultural loss are now everyday realities for the 99%,” she said.
Participants at the Assembly raised concerns about environmental degradation, deforestation, unpredictable rainfall, flooding, and other climate-induced crises threatening food security and public health.
While acknowledging government efforts in climate education and renewable energy adoption, FIA Nigeria insisted the response remains insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
The alliance presented a list of demands which it said reflects the voice of ordinary Nigerians, including the adoption of climate-resilient agriculture, stronger support systems for vulnerable groups, improved waste management, land-use reforms, and major investments in renewable energy such as solar, wind, and gas-based solutions.
Other demands include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural ecosystems, enhancing public climate awareness, promoting safe environmental practices, and enforcing policies against deforestation.
Umoh urged policymakers, journalists, youth activists, and community leaders to unite in the effort to reverse inequality and ensure that Nigeria’s wealth works for the many, not the privileged few.
“FIA Nigeria stands firmly with communities on the frontlines of injustice, we will continue to amplify their voices until the systems that create and sustain inequality are transformed,” she stressed.