By Bunmi Yekini
In commemoration of the 2025 World Radio Day, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on governments, civil society organizations (CSOs), and development partners to collaborate with radio stations to enhance climate awareness and disaster preparedness.
In a statement marking the annual event, which carries the theme “Radio and Climate Change”, MRA emphasized the urgency of climate action and the need for accountability, leveraging radio’s vast reach and influence. World Radio Day, celebrated on February 13 each year, highlights the role of radio in shaping societies, promoting free expression, and fostering democratic dialogue.
Mr. Ayode Longe, MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, underscored the critical role of radio in mobilizing public action amid escalating environmental challenges. “As the most accessible medium in Nigeria, radio remains pivotal in disseminating climate education, fostering dialogue, and holding governments accountable,” he said. “Radio’s reach into rural and urban communities positions it as a vital tool for translating complex climate policies into actionable local solutions.”
With Nigeria facing severe climate challenges, including floods, desertification, and energy poverty, Mr. Longe stressed that radio must be empowered to bridge the gap between policy and practice. He highlighted Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, including a pledge to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Additionally, he noted the country’s Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, which seeks to provide universal energy access by 2030 through investments in solar and hydropower while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
However, despite these commitments, Mr. Longe pointed out that Nigeria missed the February 10, 2025, deadline for submitting its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “These are critical milestones at the heart of the Paris Agreement and essential for achieving its long-term goals,” he warned.
Mr. Longe also highlighted the power of radio in fostering collective resolve, stating, “As Nigeria navigates intersecting climate and economic challenges, let us harness this medium to turn pledges into progress, ensuring no community is left unheard or unprotected.”
He further stressed the importance of media freedom and journalist safety, especially for those covering climate issues. “Environmental journalists and broadcasters play a crucial role in holding governments, corporations, and policymakers accountable for their climate commitments. It is imperative that they are protected from threats, censorship, and intimidation,” he said.
MRA urged the Nigerian government to maximize radio’s potential in educating citizens about climate risks and solutions, ensuring that marginalized voices are included in policy dialogues. The organization also called on the international community to fulfill its climate finance pledges to help Nigeria and other vulnerable nations transition equitably to sustainable energy sources.