Climate Change Deepening Human Security Risks In Niger Delta — Stakeholders

Stakeholders have raised concerns over the growing impact of climate change on livelihoods, human security and community stability in the Niger Delta region, warning that flooding, coastal erosion, irregular rainfall and environmental degradation are intensifying socio-economic pressures across the region.

The concerns were expressed during a policy roundtable on climate resilience, climate-sensitive peacebuilding and human security held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Speaking at the meeting, manager of Peacebuilding Programme at the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Dr. David Udofia, said climate change should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue, noting that its effects on livelihoods were creating wider security and development challenges in the region.

Udofia stated that flooding, degradation of fishing waters, destruction of mangroves and loss of income sources have contributed to poverty, displacement, community grievances and competition over scarce resources.

He stressed the need to incorporate climate resilience into peacebuilding and development planning.

A policy brief presented at the roundtable highlighted evidence that environmental changes are reducing agricultural and fishing productivity, disrupting livelihoods and increasing pressure on natural resources.

Participants examined strategies for protecting climate-sensitive livelihoods, strengthening community adaptation measures, improving environmental governance and preventing climate-related pressures from escalating existing conflicts.

Stakeholders also discussed the integration of climate-related information into conflict analysis and early-warning processes, saying improved access to climate data could help identify emerging risks and support evidence-based decision-making.

In his remarks, the director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency (BYSEMA), Chief Amiefamonyo Braid Fredrick Ongiri, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, communities and relevant institutions to address climate-related security challenges.

Ongiri said stronger coordination, improved use of data and increased investment in locally driven adaptation initiatives were necessary to tackle the growing risks posed by climate change.

Also speaking, a community representative from Ilaje local government area of Ondo State, Mr. Ebijimi Olugbenga, said flooding and environmental degradation were already affecting farming and fishing activities, making it increasingly difficult for households to sustain their livelihoods.