Group Advocates For Policy Changes To Address Debt-for-Climate Against International Leaders

A group under the aegis, Debt for Climate Nigeria, has launched a campaign to challenge the dominance of international financial institutions over the country’s economy and demand climate reparations and debt cancellation tied to sustainable investments.
The movement, saw the convergence of 50 young climate activists, community leaders, and environmental advocates in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.
The group called for total debt cancellation in exchange for Climate debt that the Global North owes the global south, saying that most African countries spend higher amounts of money on debts servicing than sustainable development.
According to the Country Director of Debt for Climate, Ayooluwa Ogunsola, “International lending has trapped Nigeria in a cycle of debt limiting our ability to fund sustainable development, it’s obvious to see that this is neocolonialism,The right questions to ask is who really owes Who?”
Environmental experts from three African nations joined a panel examining how international debt impacts climate resilience across the continent.
The discussion highlighted Germany’s post-World War II debt relief as a potential model for linking loan forgiveness to environmental protection.
“The narrative that we need development loans to grow our economy is a myth. We need to rethink our priorities and challenge the institutions that have perpetuated this cycle of debt and dependency.” said Esther Oluwatoyin, a coordinator of Debt for Climate Nigeria.
The group plans to expand its #80YearsAreEnough social media campaign while pushing lenders to accept responsibility for damage caused by the climate crisis linked to development projects.
Participants also explored connections between debt cancellation, public health, and food security through expert-led workshops.
The initiative represents a growing movement among African nations seeking to restructure international debt to address climate challenges.
Organizers say they will continue pressing for policy changes through community outreach and international advocacy.