The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has warned that climate change is now a major cause of violence and large-scale displacement in Nigeria and the Sahel region. They are calling for urgent and united action to deal with it.
At a high-level seminar in Abuja, the IPCR Director-General, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, said the environmental crisis is making the security situation worse and leading to more emergencies in already fragile areas.
The seminar, called “Climate Change, Armed Conflicts, and Internal Displacements in the Sahel Region,” was part of the IPCR’s 25th anniversary events. It brought together experts, government officials, and civil society groups. It was supported by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung–Nigeria.
Dr. Ochogwu explained that as the environment worsens, people are fighting more over limited resources, especially in farming and herding communities.
Less water, lower farm yields, and disappearing grazing lands are causing more fights between communities—especially in places where the government is weak and people can’t easily adapt.
He said, “Climate change is no longer a future problem—it’s already causing serious issues.” Rising temperatures, unpredictable rain, long droughts, and desert spread are hurting people who depend on farming and herding.
In the Sahel, these environmental problems are making old tensions worse, especially over land and water, and are leading to violence between communities and across borders.
He added that Nigeria is already feeling the effects, especially in the North-East, North-Central, and North-West, where climate issues mix with violent extremism and cause mass displacement.
Millions in Nigeria have had to leave their homes because of both environmental destruction and violence. Many of these people have lost their jobs, live in poverty, and face further displacement. This is both a humanitarian crisis and a national security issue.
Ochogwu said we must stop only reacting to crises and instead prevent them by including climate strategies in peacebuilding.
He called for policies that are sensitive to conflict, include everyone, and prepare for the future.
He said our response should involve building peace, adapting to climate change, promoting social unity, and working together across regions.
The IPCR leader also said it’s important to support local communities—especially young people and women—to help them become strong and resilient.
He suggested things like early warning systems, farming that works with climate change, new ways for people to earn a living, and better access to justice.
Ochogwu said, “We need to focus on preventing problems by including climate plans in our peace efforts and making sure our policies are fair, inclusive, and forward-thinking.”
He added that young people and women must be empowered to help lead the change, and that sustainable peace depends on early warnings, smart farming, job options, and justice.
In a special speech, Ambassador Usman Sarki, a former Nigerian diplomat to the UN, called for urgent and wide-reaching efforts to solve the complex problems in the Sahel.
Sarki explained how climate change, violence, and displacement are closely connected in the Sahel. He urged countries to work together to stabilize the region and support development.
He said the seminar was timely, especially given recent political changes in the region. Some Sahel countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have left certain regional partnerships to form new political and security alliances.
Sarki warned that problems in the region are getting worse, with more insecurity, weak governments, and ongoing violence.
He encouraged people at the seminar to take real action instead of just talking.
He said the goal of the seminar should be to help bring stability to the Sahel so that peace and long-term development can happen.
He explained that stabilizing the region involves many things—like strong governments, reducing forced migration, fighting climate change, involving people in politics, and preventing terrorism.
According to Sarki, solving these problems needs a complete and inclusive plan that includes good leadership, strong security, empowered communities, and food security, while addressing climate change and other related issues.
The discussions at the seminar matched President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point plan and Nigeria’s “4D” foreign policy—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. These focus areas are seen as important in dealing with the growing problems of climate change, insecurity, and displacement in the region.
