JOINT PRESS STATEMENT
Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) AND United Youths 4 Environmental Sustainability Initiatives (UY4ESI)
On the Occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction – October 13, 2025
Theme: “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”
Abuja, Nigeria – October 13, 2025
As the world observes the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet) and United Youths 4 Environmental Sustainability Initiatives (UY4ESI) join voices to remind everyone that disasters are not natural they are the result of risks we fail to prepare for.
This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” calls for a bold shift from response after tragedy to investment in prevention and preparedness. It is call to prioritized resilience funding that save lives, protect livelihood and strengthen local capacity before crisis strike.
Across Nigeria, communities are showing what resilience looks like in action. From PET bottle collection bins reducing plastic pollution in our cities, to mangrove restoration protecting coastal communities, from tree planting in drylands fighting desertification, to the #Act4GreenNigeria campaign raising awareness on risk management and climate adaptation among millions of young people online. These are proof that change is possible when local action is supported.
CSDevNet through its works has championed national dialogues on disaster risk management to influence policy and strengthen preparedness across the country. The Network’s advocacy contributed to shaping Nigeria’s 2025 Disaster Risk Management Policy, guided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Strategy (2025–2030), which seeks to integrate disaster risk reduction into all levels of planning and promote a multi-hazard, community-centered approach to resilience. Beyond policy engagement, CSDevNet has demonstrated practical leadership in disaster response. Most recently through its support to flood-affected communities in Mokwa, Niger State, where it provided relief materials, conducted post-disaster needs assessments and engaged local authorities on sustainable recovery measures. These efforts, alongside UY4ESI’s work with youth-led environmental initiatives, show that resilience is already being built across Nigeria. What remains missing is sustained investment to scale these successes.
“At the global level, we have strong frameworks like the Sendai Framework and the Paris Agreement, but here at home, communities remain the first to suffer the impacts. They (Vulnerable communities) don’t need charity after disasters strike, they need resources for preparedness, early warning systems and youth-driven innovations.” – said Musa Ibrahim, Executive Director of UY4ESI.
Abuh Stephen, National Network Coordinator CSDevNet added: “Every PET bottle collected/managed, every mangrove restored, every tree planted and every awareness campaign is a step towards resilience. But we cannot do it alone. To truly safeguard lives and livelihoods, governments, donors and the private sector must fund resilience now!”
Despite global commitments, disaster preparedness funding in Nigeria remains far below the resources allocated for emergency response. This imbalance must change. Investing in resilience not only saves lives but also reduces the long-term costs of recovery and humanitarian aid.
CSDevNet and UY4ESI therefore call on federal and state governments, international partners and private sector actors to prioritize climate adaptation finance, strengthen local early warning systems, and support youth-led resilience programs across the country.
Together, we reaffirm our commitment to turning global promises into local action, ensuring that disaster risk reduction is not just an idea but a reality for all Nigerians especially the most vulnerable.
Let’s work together to ensure that hazards do not result into disaster!
FOR ENQUIRY/CONTACTS
CSDevNet:
Abu Stephen – National Network Coordinator
Email: info@csdevnet.org
Phone: +234 807 072 3100
UY4ESI:
Musa Ibrahim – Executive Director
Email: musaibrahim943@gmail.com
Phone: +234 706 913 1165
