NDC Convenes Roundtable on Military Response to Climate-Driven Insecurity

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, has declared open a high-level roundtable on military response to climate-driven insecurity in Nigeria, underscoring the growing link between climate change and national security.

Speaking at the event, Rear Admiral Ahmed welcomed distinguished guests, senior military officers, and experts, noting that climate change has evolved beyond an environmental concern to become a major strategic and security issue with far-reaching implications for national stability and human security.

He commended the collaborative efforts of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS) of the NDC and the Sustainable Development Training Centre for organising the roundtable, describing it as timely and critical. The Commandant also acknowledged the contributions of the lead presenter, Dr. Ahmed Sanda, and other experts for their commitment to addressing the emerging challenge.

Rear Admiral Ahmed emphasised that tackling climate-driven insecurity requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving the military, government institutions, development partners, and local communities. He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute ideas that would shape effective responses to the evolving threat.

Highlighting global efforts, he referenced large-scale environmental initiatives such as afforestation programmes, noting that tree planting remains one of the most effective strategies to combat climate change. He further pointed out the role of the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, in addressing environmental degradation by combating illegal bunkering and reducing activities that harm coastal ecosystems.

In his remarks, the Provost of CSRS, Professor Adam Okene Ahmed, stressed that climate change now underpins many global challenges, including governance, economic development, and political stability. He described climate as a central factor influencing crises worldwide, with competition over diminishing resources increasingly driving conflicts.

Professor Ahmed noted that the linkage between climate conditions and security makes the role of the military indispensable, particularly in responding to complex crises. 

He added that the roundtable was designed to bring together experts to generate practical and policy-relevant solutions rather than serve as a routine gathering.

He commended the leadership of the NDC for prioritising academic engagement and fostering collaboration with research institutions, encouraging participants to contribute meaningfully to discussions that would inform national policy.

The roundtable is expected to produce strategic insights and recommendations to enhance Nigeria’s military and institutional response to climate-related security challenges.