Posted by Chinenye on Wed 06th May, 2026 - tori.ng
African leaders, security experts, and climate policymakers have converged in Abuja for a major regional workshop aimed at tackling the growing link between climate change and insecurity across the continent
(Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Aminu Usman. photo by Instagram)
In the face of mounting environmental and conflict pressures, Nigeria brings together African leaders in Abuja to discuss climate-security issues and promote peace-focused response.
Nigeria has organized a high-level regional workshop to address the growing connection between climate change and insecurity on the continent, bringing together politicians, climate experts, and peacebuilding practitioners from throughout Africa.
Salihu Aminu Usman, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, opened the event in Abuja by cautioning that the rapid acceleration of climate change is already having serious worldwide repercussions and emphasizing the necessity of swift and concerted action.
The effects of climate change are becoming more noticeable every day, and extreme weather events are occurring everywhere in the world. Before things go out of control, urgent remedies are needed," he stated.
According to Usman, Nigeria is still dedicated to fulfilling its commitments under international climate agreements like the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
He continued by saying that with international assistance, the government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 47%.
He disclosed that conflict-sensitive strategies are incorporated into Nigeria's National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which is almost finished and directly links climate adaptation to peacebuilding initiatives.
He claims that environmental stresses are becoming more closely linked to security issues like livestock rustling, banditry, and conflicts between farmers and herders.
Usman emphasized the significance of coordinating national security plans with climate policy, saying, "It would be a mistake to ignore adaptation needs in these peacebuilding contexts."
Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, emphasized the extensive effects of climate variability on livelihoods, infrastructure, and biodiversity in her remarks, cautioning that these disruptions are exacerbating preexisting vulnerabilities and fueling instability.
According to her, Nigeria's adaptation planning approach has been comprehensive and participatory, aiming to build resilience across sectors while addressing medium- and long-term climate threats.
Alec Crawford of the International Institute for Sustainable Development also spoke, emphasizing that climate change is a current reality rather than a threat for the future, especially in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.
According to Crawford, "the intersection between climate risks, war, and conflict is no longer abstract." Adaptation techniques must actively assist peacebuilding initiatives in addition to addressing environmental issues.
He acknowledged financial help from the Irish government and praised Nigeria for hosting the event.
Several African nations, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Liberia, Mali, Somalia, and South Sudan, have participated in the meeting.
Discussions will focus on sharing national experiences, enhancing cooperation between environmental, security, and development partners, and incorporating peacebuilding into plans for climate adaptation, according to organizers.
The goal of the event, which continues until May 7, is to shape a more coordinated African approach to the climate-security challenge through technical workshops, policy discussions, and peer learning.