The Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in tackling climate change and fostering regional development. He made this remark on Monday, 17th February 2025, while hosting a consortium of key stakeholders, led by Academic Associates PeaceWorks (AAPW), at his office in Abuja.
Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (Rtd), Operational Security Component Coordinator, Italian Shipping Academy Foundation (FAIMM), delivered the opening speech, providing an insightful overview of the ‘Coping with Climate Change as a Cause of Conflict in Coastal Communities of West Africa’ (C7-WA) initiative. He highlighted the policy brief’s key recommendations on climate change, its impact on coastal communities in the Niger Delta, and the associated security challenges.
Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Executive Director, AAPW) and Mr. Isu Menidin (AAPW Project Manager) presented key points from the policy brief. Their presentation underscored the various challenges exacerbated by climate change, particularly conflicts emerging in coastal communities. They emphasized that the C7-WA project is actively engaged in five states across the Niger Delta, aiming to develop conflict-sensitive tools for climate adaptation and prevent environmental crimes. Ambassador Nkoyo further stressed the necessity of addressing challenges linked to the blue economy as a viable avenue for sustainable development.
In his response, Momoh acknowledged the devastating effects of climate change on the Niger Delta, including rising sea levels, mangrove destruction, and their impact on social and economic stability. He noted that these challenges contribute to communal conflicts and youth restiveness. The minister highlighted past efforts, including high embankment projects and waterway openings undertaken in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), aimed at mitigating climate-induced flooding and boosting economic activities.
The Minister encouraged AAPW and her partners including the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and Pan Niger Delta Development Forum (PANDEF), to collaborate with relevant development commissions, emphasizing that his ministry’s role is supervisory. He urged the organization to explore opportunities in the carbon market, climate finance, and the green economy, citing ventures such as periwinkle farming as potential economic drivers to reduce youth unemployment.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Senior Communications Officer of AAPW, Success Nwanedo, who, on behalf of Chief Dr. Judith Burdin Asuni, expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his engagement and assurance to explore actionable support mechanisms for climate resilience initiatives in the Niger Delta.
Note to the Editor:
AAPW Media contact: Success Nwanedo: Senior Communications Officer, AAPW
success.nwanedo@aapw.org
