Climate Change is the Cause of Terrorism in Nigeria — Tinubu Speaks on UK Visit [VIDEO]
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has linked the persistent wave of terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria to the ongoing volatile conflicts in the Sahel region and the devastating effects of climate change.
Speaking during a high-profile diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom, the President argued that the security challenges facing the nation are not merely internal issues but are deeply connected to broader environmental and regional factors.
During a meeting at 10 Downing Street with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 19, 2026, Tinubu stated, “Climate change is the cause of terrorism in Nigeria!”
He explained that the environmental degradation in West Africa has created a desperate competition for dwindling resources, which in turn fuels radicalization and violence.
The President pointed out that the collapse of security in neighboring Sahelian countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has allowed jihadist elements to spill over into Nigerian territory.
Expanding on this during an audience with King Charles III, President Tinubu emphasized that West Africa serves as a critical stabilizing force for the entire continent.
He noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad has displaced millions, making them vulnerable to recruitment by groups like Boko Haram.
By framing the insurgency as a consequence of global ecological shifts, the President sought to rally international support for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Consequently, the President’s assertions have sparked a heated debate across Nigeria. While some experts agree that environmental factors act as a “threat multiplier,” critics argue that the administration is using climate change as a shield to deflect from governance failures and delayed military responses.
Supporters, however, point to United Nations reports which confirm that resource scarcity in the North is a primary driver of the herder-farmer clashes that often morph into full-scale banditry.
