Environmental experts have said that Nigeria needs to include climate change solutions in its peace efforts to reduce growing risks in the country.
They shared this message at a workshop held on Thursday in Abuja, focused on building skills for climate planning that considers conflict situations.
During the workshop, a report was also presented. It talked about how Nigeria can include peace and conflict issues in its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for climate change.
Mr. Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, said it’s important to include conflict-awareness when planning for climate change.
Kambari, who was represented by Mrs. Victoria Gyang, explained that knowing how local conflicts relate to climate change helps in building peace.
He said a key part of the plan was a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. This study looked at how different communities are affected and suggested ways they could adapt.
Kambari also pointed out that conflicts like farmer-herder fights, cattle theft, and banditry—often caused by climate pressures—are harming national security.
He warned that not preparing for medium and long-term climate issues, especially in areas with conflict, would be a big mistake.
Kambari said that climate change and conflict often make each other worse, but that planning well for climate impacts could help break the cycle and improve people’s lives.
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, another official from the Climate Change Department, said bad weather and changing climate are already affecting important parts of Nigeria’s economy and infrastructure.
Her representative, Mr. Jonah Barde, said the National Adaptation Plan aims to create a clear system to find long-term solutions for climate problems.
Ms. Catherine Potvin from Global Affairs Canada said building community strength and peace must go together.
She added that Nigeria’s efforts to keep peace are very important.
Dr. Okafor Gerald from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said climate change is making conflicts worse around the world. His office is committed to helping solve these problems.
Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, a Deputy Police Commissioner, said the police often have to deal with farmer-herder fights, which are among the most serious conflicts made worse by climate change.
