WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 11, No. 1, March, 2026
Pages 127-136
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/6202.11.0101
CLIMATE CHANGE AND RESOURCE-BASED CONFLICTS AS EMERGING THREATS TO NIGERIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY
Mubarak Sulaiman Jamiu1*, Hassan Seyid Ishola2 and Adedoyin John Towoju3
1,2,3Department of Politics and Governance, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria
Abstract
Climate change has emerged as a critical driver of resource scarcity and conflict, with serious implications for national security in Nigeria. This paper examines the interconnections between climate change, resource conflicts, and national security, focusing on how environmental stress exacerbates competition over land, water, and livelihoods across different regions of the country. Drawing on ecological theory and conflict resolution theory, the study explains how climate-induced environmental degradation translates into social tensions and violent conflicts, particularly between farmers and pastoralists, as well as within coastal and agrarian communities. The paper relies on qualitative analysis of secondary data, including policy documents, scholarly literature, and institutional reports, to assess both the drivers of climate-related conflicts and the effectiveness of existing policy responses. Findings indicate that while Nigeria has adopted several climate policy frameworks and intervention programmes, their impact has been limited by weak governance, inadequate funding, and an overreliance on militarised security responses. The paper argues that climate change acts as a threat multiplier, deepening insecurity and undermining social cohesion and economic stability. It concludes by recommending integrated strategies that combine climate adaptation, equitable resource management, and conflict resolution mechanisms to strengthen national security and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.
Keywords: Climate change, conflict, governance, national security, Nigeria