Impact of Climate Change Regime in Maintaining Internal Security in Nigeria

Abstract

Scientific and empirical data in the last three decades confirm the climate change phenomenon on human and natural systems. One of such impacts is drought which cause natural resource scarcity, hence agro-conflict in Nigeria. This Paper aims to examine the effectiveness of the climate change regime in maintaining internal security in Nigeria. The method adopted is the doctrinal approach which is based on both primary and `secondary sources of data collection. The primary source includes statutes while the secondary sources include text books, journal articles, internet materials and lecture notes. Findings reveal that although climate change does not fit into the mode of traditional threats to national security, such as war, terrorism and insurgency, its non-violent and gradual manifestation tend to disguise its impact on the civic, political and socio-economic lives of the citizenry. Findings further reveal that climate change polices and sustainable internal security is central and complimentary of each other, as a result, the Nigerian State must work towards both. As adoption, awareness and implementation of climate polices could reduce insecurity to modest levels in the country. Findings also reveal that the Nigerian State appears to have effective climate change regime to deal with security issues, but the problem boils down to enforcement of the regimes. This, in so many ways, has affected the capacity of the security agencies to maintain law and order in the country. It is recommended that solutions cannot be attained through force alone but by strict implementation of the Climate Agreements.