By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
ABUJA — The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to address the growing impact of climate change and its connection to insecurity, as it hosted a three-day Peer Learning Forum on National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes in Conflict-Affected Countries in Abuja.
The forum, taking place at the Abuja Continental Hotel from May 5 to 7, 2026, has drawn policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, and international experts to deliberate on integrating climate adaptation into peacebuilding frameworks.
Opening the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Aminu Usman, described climate change as a major driver of instability, conflicts, and livelihood losses, particularly in vulnerable regions.
He explained that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation are worsening security challenges, including farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and population displacement.
Usman pointed out that Nigeria remains committed to global climate obligations, referencing its participation in key agreements such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement.
He added that under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), Nigeria aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 47 per cent with international assistance, while strengthening adaptation efforts nationwide.
The Permanent Secretary further revealed that Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan, now nearing completion, prioritizes conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding, with support from the Green Climate Fund and data from nationwide climate risk assessments.
In her remarks, the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, said the country is already facing serious climate-related challenges affecting infrastructure, ecosystems, and security.
She noted that Nigeria’s adaptation plan was developed through an inclusive and transparent process, ensuring that peacebuilding considerations are embedded in both planning and implementation.
According to her, the forum offers a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, enabling countries to develop practical approaches for implementing adaptation strategies in fragile settings.
Also addressing participants, Alec Crawford, Director of Nature for Resilience at the International Institute for Sustainable Development, said the link between climate change and conflict has become increasingly evident across many regions.
He emphasized that adaptation planning must move beyond theory to reflect realities on the ground, including governance constraints, insecurity, and competition over scarce resources. Crawford also praised Nigeria for hosting the event and highlighted the importance of international cooperation and peer learning in advancing climate resilience and peacebuilding efforts.
