Gender dynamics of civil society organizations and climate justice in the extractive industry in Nigeria

The extractive sector in Nigeria has contributed to diverse forms of social injustice, with little known about the gender dynamics that limit civil societies and organizations that advocate for climate justice within the sector. This paper analysed the effect of gender issues on climate justice advocacy in the extractive industry in Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to non-governmental, community-based, and social enterprise organizations across the six geopolitical zones. In total, 67 civil society organizations operating in multiple states and zones were analysed. Regression analysis shows that gendered systemic and cultural issues significantly influence the advocacy activities of these organizations, particularly gendered access to information (t = 5.22), funding (t = 2.24), cultural and social norms (t = 3.33), and marginalization (t = 5.50). The findings highlight how gender barriers shape climate justice efforts in the extractive industry. Failure to address the systemic and cultural barriers that limit organizations’ effectiveness undermines both advocacy efforts and women’s agency in the extractive rural communities. This paper suggests the need to create an equitable environment for both men and women involved in climate justice within the extractive industry to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods in extraction-affected communities.