Nigeria faces significant challenges at the intersection of climate change and social conflict, prompting urgent discussions on adaptation and conflict sensitivity. A recent workshop held by International Alert illustrated the growing recognition of this pressing issue among civil society organizations and government agencies.
The workshop, themed “Capacity Building and Strategy Planning Workshop on Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Approaches,” took place in Abuja and served as a follow-up to the launch of the Nigerian Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF) initiated last November. According to Dr. Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert, this consultative learning event was necessary to address the urgency of capacity building among various organizations involved.
“This is the consultative learning event of NC-SAF because organisations indicated capacity building as something we should address imminently,” he stated. Nyulaku-Bemshima stressed the need for stakeholders to understand the complex dynamics between climate change, adaptation, and conflict. He noted, “Most of the conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based and so conflict and climate change are existential issues.”
The workshop gathered diverse stakeholders, aiming to facilitate dialogue and collaboration on climate adaptation strategies relevant to Nigeria’s unique environmental and societal challenges. Nyulaku-Bemshima highlighted the importance of harmonizing existing initiatives, stating, “Although there was existing work being done on climate change and peacebuilding, organisations were still working in silos.”
Reflecting on this sentiment, Prof. Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, underscored the necessity of raising awareness among stakeholders about the potential impacts of climate change on conflict scenarios. “We know there is a great Nexus between ability of people to utilise the environment and conflict,” he explained. His remarks emphasized how climate dynamics could exacerbate existing tensions and create new conflicts, particularly concerning dwindling resources.
Prof. Baba’s concerns mirror the realities faced by many communities, particularly those situated in northern Nigeria, where access to water, arable land, and other necessities have become increasingly contested. He warned, “If we are not careful, climate change is something will lead to conflict and this conflict will consume everyone,” illuminating the interlinked nature of ecological degradation and social strife.
During the discussions, the urgency for collaboration was palpable. Mr. Nathaniel Awuapila, President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), voiced the collective sentiment among attendees about the need for actionable outcomes. He stated, “Nigerians need to acknowledge climate change is real. There are stakeholders, very influential people, who have continued to deny the impact of climate change.” His comments reflected the frustrations felt among advocates, who see significant resistance at higher levels to recognizing the realities presented by climate change.
Awuapila pressed for immediate action, referencing observable changes such as erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts affecting farmers and communities. “These are all impacts of climate change. It is real and we need to begin to take appropriate action immediately,” he urged.
The workshop format included various strategy sessions, which aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to the NC-SAF's priorities. Nyulaku-Bemshima reiterated the importance of this collaborative effort, stating, “Coming together gives us a multiplier effect in terms of advocacy and creating the needed policy change.”
The discussions reflected broader themes of adaptation, resource management, and conflict resolution. Participants explored how integrating conflict sensitivity with climate adaptation could yield more resilient communities. Addressing the needs of vulnerable populations—who often bear the brunt of climate changes—was also highlighted as a key priority.
Participants concluded the workshop with renewed energy to advocate for integrated approaches to conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation, recognizing these as dual imperatives for current and future planning initiatives. The convergence of these domains is not just beneficial; it is necessary, particularly for nations like Nigeria where the stakes are high and the consequences of neglect could be dire.
The urgent call to action from the workshop is clear: as climate challenges mount, collaboration and practical frameworks to address both environmental and social conflicts must become the new norm. The collective determination among participants marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable adaptation practices and conflict resolution strategies relevant to Nigeria's realities.
