Climate Change and Insecurity in Northern Nigeria
By Umar Farouk Bala
Northern Nigeria faces a complex web of interconnected security challenges, rooted in socio-economic, political, ethnic, and religious tensions. At the heart of this insecurity crisis is the pervasive and evolving issue of banditry.
Historically, banditry was somewhat integrated into the societal fabric, but it has since undergone a disturbing transformation. The advent of modern weaponry and the collapse of traditional social structures have contributed to an alarming escalation of violence.
This marks a significant departure from its earlier, less intense form. Today, banditry threatens regional stability, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of this multifaceted problem.
Compounding this, the rise of Islamist insurgencies, notably Boko Haram and its splinter groups such as the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), has exacerbated insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Initially sparked by a rejection of Western education, these extremist groups have dramatically altered the region’s security and socio-political landscape. Over the past decade and a half, these insurgencies have intertwined with local banditry, creating a complex and deeply entrenched crisis. The intersection of these forms of insecurity has devastated millions of lives, underscoring the necessity of a multifaceted approach to tackle the root causes of this crisis.
A critical factor further driving insecurity in Northern Nigeria is the escalating conflict between herders and farmers, fueled by climate change, land degradation, and competition for dwindling resources. The role of climate change in aggravating insecurity is often overlooked in mainstream discourse. However, it is essential to recognize that climate change is exacerbating existing social, economic, and political vulnerabilities in Northern Nigeria. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events are intensifying tensions, particularly between herders and farmers. By understanding the role of climate change in these conflicts, we can develop more effective strategies to address the insecurity in the region.
According to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, “diminishing arable land and water resources, exacerbated by inefficient farming practices, desertification, and erratic rainfall, force herders southward, sparking conflicts with farmers over dwindling resources.”
Read Also:
Agriculture, the region’s economic backbone, is severely impacted by climate change. Crop failures, reduced yields, and altered growing seasons are leading to food insecurity, economic hardship, and displacement. The decline of Lake Chad, which has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s, has devastated the region’s economy and security. This decline has led to the loss of fishing livelihoods, reduced water availability, and heightened competition for resources. Desperation and frustration, fueled by this environmental crisis, have created fertile ground for extremist recruitment.
Climate change also contributes to the growth of extremist groups in Northern Nigeria. The region’s porous borders, combined with displacement caused by environmental stress, create conditions conducive to the spread of extremist ideologies. Groups like Boko Haram exploit the grievances of those whose livelihoods have been severely affected by climate change, using these struggles to recruit new members.
A major catalyst for the climate crisis affecting Nigeria is the unchecked expansion of Western industries. According to the National Academy of Sciences, human activities since the Industrial Revolution have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, altering the earth’s climate. Western industrialization is widely regarded as a key driver of climate change. The development of technologies such as the internal combustion engine and power plants further accelerated emissions, with the United States emerging as a major polluter.
The impact of Western industrialization on climate change cannot be overstated. Today, the developed world is responsible for the majority of historical greenhouse gas emissions, with the United States alone accounting for over 25% of total emissions since 1750. The consequences of this are felt globally, from rising sea levels to devastating heatwaves and droughts.
Furthermore, the industrialization of the West has driven deforestation, land degradation, and habitat destruction, exacerbating climate change. The production and consumption patterns in Western societies, characterized by waste and excess, have contributed to environmental degradation.
The result of these practices is a world marked by internal displacement and human suffering due to environmental disasters such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Poor countries, lacking the resources to cope with the aftermath of such disasters, are disproportionately affected. This leaves their economies vulnerable to environmental shocks, significantly stunting the growth and development of their domestic industries.
To mitigate climate change and its debilitating effects on the economy and security of Northern Nigeria, as well as the Global South, it is essential to acknowledge the role of Western industrialization in driving this crisis. Addressing it requires a fundamental transformation of economic systems, energy sources, and consumption patterns. Transitioning to renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable land-use practices are critical steps toward reducing emissions and preventing the worst impacts of climate change.
