
*FG Links Climate Change to Rising Insecurity, Pushes Peace-Centred Adaptation Plan at Abuja Forum*
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change and its growing link to insecurity, as Nigeria hosts a three-day Peer Learning Forum on National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Processes in Conflict-Affected Countries in Abuja.
Speaking at the forum, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Salihu Aminu Usman, described climate change as a major driver of instability, noting that rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and environmental degradation are worsening farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and displacement across vulnerable communities.
Usman said Nigeria remains committed to its global climate obligations and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 47 per cent with international support under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).
He added that Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan, currently nearing completion, is designed to integrate peacebuilding and conflict sensitivity into climate adaptation efforts.
Director of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, said the adaptation plan was developed through an inclusive process to address climate impacts on infrastructure, ecosystems, and security.
Also speaking, Alec Crawford of the International Institute for Sustainable Development stressed the need for adaptation planning to reflect realities such as insecurity, weak governance, and resource competition.
The forum, holding from May 5 to 7 at Abuja Continental Hotel, brings together policymakers, development partners, civil society groups, and international experts to strengthen climate resilience and peacebuilding in fragile settings.