The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recently taken significant steps to address the issue of climate change and its impact on national security, according to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar.
The CAS expressed concern over the role of climate change in exacerbating existing security challenges during a virtual lecture titled “Industrialisation, Energy, Security and Climate Change: The Role of the Nigerian Air Force,” delivered to participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
While climate change itself may not directly cause conflicts, it tends to amplify the existing triggering factors, leading to a reduction in people’s ability to cope, ultimately resulting in more conflicts. For instance, the irregular and extreme weather conditions around Lake Chad have devastated traditional fishing and farming practices, affecting the economic prospects of young men in the region and making them susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups. This vicious cycle of conflicts significantly hampers national security, leading to humanitarian crises, terrorism, and insurgency.
In response to this urgent issue, Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted that the Nigerian Air Force has implemented various measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on national security. One of the key initiatives has been the NAF’s kinetic operations, which have systematically created conducive conditions for ground forces to recover territories from terrorists and insurgents. These operations have also succeeded in weakening the capabilities and resolve of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and oil thieves, fostering a safer environment for economic activities to thrive.
Additionally, the NAF has incorporated climate change considerations into its planning and operations, participating in global initiatives such as the 2021 Global Air Forces on Climate Change organised by the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom. The NAF is also proactively exploring the use of low-carbon emission fuels, such as compressed natural gas and liquid petroleum gas, to power its vehicle fleets. The implementation of environmentally friendly projects, including the installation of solar panels, waste recycling, and a tree-planting campaign across all NAF units nationwide, demonstrates the force’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Furthermore, the NAF recently introduced an innovative paperless system at its headquarters, effectively reducing paper consumption by approximately 300 cartons since its initiation in May 2023. This move highlights the force’s dedication to embracing sustainable practices and staying at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts.
