Politics of Climate Change, National Security and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined politics of climate change, National Security and Development in Nigeria. The paper argued that the nature of politics of climate change which is couched in the nature and character of Nigerian state has adversely affected National Security and Development in Nigeria. Democratic elitism was adopted as analytical construct. The main assumption of democratic elitism is that the political elites who rule the people must rule within the purview of democratic tenets and values. The paper relied on secondary sources of data. The main objective of the paper is to critically examine the politics of climate change and its impact on National Security and Development in Nigeria. The paper noted that the sudden and seemingly forceful amalgamation of the 1914 coupled with the unbridled quest for primitive accumulation has not only infused fissiparous tendencies into the politics of Nigeria but has also militarized the political system in Nigeria. Consequently, National Security and Development are undermined. The paper recommended inter alia that democratic institutions should be strengthened and democratic values should be imbibed and demonstrated by Nigerians.