The Federal Ministry of Environment has urged a new approach to climate change adaptation by integrating conflict sensitivity and peace-building into its national strategy.
At a recent inception workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Adam Kambari, emphasized that addressing peace and conflict is crucial for tackling security challenges like the farmers-herders crisis and banditry.
Represented by Victoria Pwol, Director II of the Department of Climate Change, Kambari stated that a focus on conflict resolution would significantly reduce the security threats and climate-related issues currently facing the nation.
He called on stakeholders to adhere to the framework set by the Global Network on peace and conflict, which includes key elements such as leadership, data, financing, and stakeholder engagement.
The workshop also saw the official launch of a report titled “Integrating Conflict Sensitivity and Peacebuilding into Nigeria’s National Adaptation Planning (NAP).”
Kambari thanked the Global Network for its technical and financial support in helping Nigeria achieve this objective.
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Iniagbon Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, noted that Nigeria is not exempt from the global rise in climate change impacts.
She highlighted that extreme weather and climate variability are causing security challenges that could worsen in the future.
The workshop, she said, was a platform for stakeholders to provide meaningful input on the matter.Representatives from other key organizations also contributed to the discussion.
Katherine Smith of the NAP Global Network stated that their support for Nigeria and other countries is aimed at reducing the global impact of conflict on climate change sensitivity.
Gerald Okafor of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution and DCP Kabiru Abdullah of the Nigerian Police Force both pledged to contribute their expertise in designing conflict-sensitive adaptation plans.
The collaboration aims to ensure that Nigeria’s climate actions also serve to build peace and stability.
