Climate Crisis Fuels Rising Insecurity, Poverty in Niger Delta – PIND
Oluwafunbi Bello 
PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has warned that climate change is rapidly evolving into a major security threat, with worsening flooding, coastal erosion and environmental degradation putting millions of livelihoods at risk across the Niger Delta.
The warning followed a policy roundtable on Climate Resilience, Climate-Sensitive Peacebuilding and Human Security in the Niger Delta, held in Port Harcourt on Friday.
PIND said increasingly severe flooding, irregular rainfall, coastal erosion and the destruction of mangrove ecosystems are disrupting farming, fishing and other economic activities, fuelling displacement, poverty and competition over scarce natural resources.
Speaking on behalf of PIND Executive Director, Mr. Sam Daibo, the organisation’s Peacebuilding Programme Manager, Dr David Udofia, said climate change should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue.
Director of Relief and Rehabilitation at the Bayelsa State Emergency Management Agency, Chief Amiefamonyo Braid Fredrick Ongiri, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders.
“No institution can address the climate-security challenge alone. The evidence presented today reinforces the need for stronger coordination, better use of data and greater investment in locally led adaptation,” he said.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Korede Abdullah