By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria will host a three-day technical dialogue in Abuja from May 5 to May 7, 2026, aimed at integrating climate change adaptation into state development plans, with a focus on strengthening resilience and boosting private sector participation.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Environment’s Director of Press, Ibrahim Haruna, the event is co-hosted by Nigeria and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, supported by Canada, and will convene government representatives from several African countries.
Participants from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Liberia, Somalia, and South Sudan are expected to attend the peer learning session, which will address country-specific climate risks and explore adaptation strategies that also promote peace and reduce conflict.
Haruna noted that the dialogue, supported by the NAP Global Network under the International Institute for Sustainable Development, will examine how countries can align climate adaptation priorities with peacebuilding frameworks, especially in conflict-affected regions.
Director of Climate Change at the ministry, Iniobong Abiola-Awe, said the initiative underscores the urgency of developing conflict-sensitive national adaptation plans.
She explained that such plans are critical for countries facing both climate vulnerabilities and security challenges, as they help integrate adaptation efforts with broader development and peacebuilding goals.
Abiola-Awe added that the dialogue would provide a platform for peer-to-peer learning, enabling countries to share experiences and strengthen policy coordination.
She highlighted that many climate-vulnerable nations also face conflict, making it difficult to prioritise long-term adaptation alongside immediate needs like security and basic services.
Also speaking, Anne Hammill of the International Institute for Sustainable Development said the National Adaptation Plan process can help break the link between climate change and conflict by encouraging inclusive and coordinated responses.
She noted that the NAP Global Network has supported over 1,000 adaptation planners across 84 countries through similar peer learning initiatives.
The dialogue, funded in part by the Government of Ireland, will further advance Nigeria’s National Adaptation Plan framework, which targets key sectors such as agriculture, water, and health, with the goal of reducing vulnerability and aligning climate action with national development priorities.