By Faridat Salifu
International Alert, an international peace building NGO, has conducted a capacity-building workshop for staff of civil society organizations (CSOs) and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria on conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation.
The workshop, conducted recently in Abuja, focused on enhancing understanding of conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation strategies, aiming to address the growing intersection of climate change and conflict in the country.
Held with the theme: “Capacity Building and Strategy Planning Workshop on Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Approaches,” the workshop was supported by Irish Aid.
Dr. Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, Country Director of International Alert, highlighted that the workshop was part of the Nigerian Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF), which was launched in November 2024.
The initiative brought together key stakeholders to foster collaboration and tackle the dual challenges of climate change and conflict in Nigeria.
Dr. Nyulaku-Bemshima emphasized that the primary goal of the workshop was to foster mutual learning and co-create solutions among the participants.
He pointed out that most conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based, and climate change exacerbates these issues.
According to him, conflicts linked to resource scarcity, such as land and water, are prevalent across the country, making both climate change and conflict interlinked challenges that need to be tackled simultaneously.
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“The workshop aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to the NC-SAF, ensuring that strategies address both conflict sensitivity and climate adaptation,” Nyulaku-Bemshima said.
He also noted that, despite ongoing work in these areas, many organizations were still operating in silos, and harmonizing efforts would lead to a stronger collective impact on policy change and advocacy.
Prof. Muhammad Baba, National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) praised International Alert for its timely initiative.
He underscored the crucial link between climate change and conflict, particularly in regions like the Northwest, Northeast, and Central Nigeria, where the pressure on natural resources is leading to heightened social tensions.
Prof. Baba further stressed the need for a deeper understanding of how climate change drives conflict, which could have devastating consequences for Nigeria’s social fabric.
“If we do not address the link between climate change and conflict, we risk escalating tensions that could consume entire communities,” he warned.
The Sociology professor also pointed to the dwindling natural resources, especially in rural areas, and the growing challenges in urban centers, where issues like water, electricity, and housing shortages are becoming more severe.
Mr. Nathaniel Awuapila, President of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), also weighed in on the importance of translating climate change policies into concrete actions.
He stressed the need for a nationwide acknowledgment of climate change’s reality, noting that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events—such as floods and droughts—demonstrates the urgency of addressing this issue.
“Nigerians need to understand that climate change is not just a theoretical concept—it is happening here and now. Every year, we experience the consequences, whether through devastating floods or prolonged droughts. It is time for us to take immediate action,” Awuapila said.
