By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria has submitted its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), outlining measures to strengthen climate resilience, protect vulnerable communities and integrate adaptation strategies into national development planning.
The submission, made on September 29, 2026, fulfils Nigeria’s obligation as a party to the international climate convention and establishes a framework for addressing the country’s medium- and long-term climate risks.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal said the submission aligns with the Cancun Adaptation Framework, which supports countries in identifying their climate adaptation needs and developing policies, programmes and strategies to address them.
According to the minister, the plan is also consistent with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies climate resilience, sustainable development, food security, agricultural transformation and the protection of vulnerable communities as important national priorities.
Lawal said the plan provides a structured approach to translating these priorities into practical measures aimed at reducing the effects of climate change on communities, livelihoods and critical sectors of the economy.
He explained that the National Adaptation Plan seeks to reduce vulnerability to climate impacts by strengthening the capacity of communities and economic sectors to prepare for and respond to climate-related risks.
It also aims to ensure that climate adaptation is incorporated into existing and new policies, programmes and development plans across relevant sectors and different levels of government.
A key component of the process is the Climate Risks and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA), which identifies communities most exposed to climate threats and helps determine priority interventions.
The assessment is intended to guide the allocation of resources towards areas and sectors requiring urgent adaptation measures, while supporting coordination between government institutions and development partners.
Among the priorities highlighted in the plan are climate-smart agriculture to improve food security, resilient infrastructure to withstand climate hazards, ecosystem restoration and the mobilisation of climate finance to support adaptation projects.
Climate-smart agriculture is particularly important for Nigeria, where changing rainfall patterns, droughts, flooding and rising temperatures can disrupt farming activities, reduce crop yields and threaten rural livelihoods.
Strengthening infrastructure against climate hazards is also expected to support communities exposed to flooding and other extreme weather events, while ecosystem restoration can help protect natural resources and improve the resilience of landscapes.
The plan further identifies climate finance as an important mechanism for supporting adaptation measures and creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.
Lawal described the submission as a comprehensive framework for climate adaptation planning and governance, saying it provides a pathway towards environmental sustainability and a more climate-resilient Nigeria.
He said the plan was intended to support inclusive growth, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen national security against climate-related threats.
Nigeria’s submission comes amid growing concerns about the effects of climate change on food production, water resources, infrastructure, public health and vulnerable populations.
However, the effectiveness of the plan will depend on its implementation, including adequate funding, coordination among government agencies, reliable climate information and the involvement of communities facing climate risks.
Integrating adaptation priorities into development planning will also be essential to ensuring that climate resilience measures extend beyond policy commitments and deliver tangible benefits.
The National Adaptation Plan is expected to guide Nigeria’s efforts to prepare for climate impacts over the coming years while supporting sustainable development and protecting communities whose livelihoods depend on climate-sensitive sectors.
