Assessing the impact of climate-induced migration on violence and human security in West Africa: evidence from Nigeria

This paper investigated the relationship between climate-induced migration and violence and human security in West Africa, with Nigeria as a focal point. The paper argued that climate change, evidenced by environmental degradation, flooding, drought, and desertification, intensified migration both internally and across borders, leading to increased competition for limited resources such as land and water. This study, guided by the Climate Security Theory, delved into how migration driven by climate change fuelled community tensions, conflicts between farmers and herders, and posed significant risks to human security. The researcher employed a quantitative approach, gathering data through structured questionnaire from 108 participants, which included academics and ECOWAS officials in Nigeria. Results from the study revealed that climate-induced migration significantly contributed to social unrest, violence, food and water insecurity, and regional instability in West Africa. The paper also highlighted that existing climate policies and frameworks in ECOWAS, including the Transhumance Regulation and the Regional Climate Strategy (2022–2030), faced serious challenges such as limited funding, weak institutional coordination, and a lack of political will. The paper concluded by recommending that stronger regional cooperation, climate adaptation programmes, livelihood support, and improved cross-border governance were necessary to mitigate the security implications of climate-induced migration in West Africa.