The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed, has warned that climate change now poses a serious national security threat to Nigeria and requires stronger military preparedness.

Speaking in Abuja at a roundtable on military responses to climate-driven energy security challenges, Ahmed said climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but one with direct consequences for national stability and human security.

He noted that rising environmental pressures such as flooding, drought, desertification, and competition over scarce resources can fuel instability and conflict.

According to him, defence institutions, government agencies, development partners, and local communities must work together to build resilience and develop sustainable responses.

He also urged participants at the event to generate practical strategies that can help the country manage climate-related risks.

The roundtable was organised by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of the National Defence College in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Training Centre.

Experts say climate change increasingly affects food supply, migration patterns, livelihoods, and internal security across many vulnerable regions, including Nigeria.