OSPRE Unveils Landmark Study on Climate Resilience, Resettlement in Lake Chad Region
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities with the official launch of the Resilience and Environmental Sustainability of Resettled Enclaves (RESTORE) Project Report.
The report, unveiled by the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) with support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation, provides fresh evidence on how climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, displacement, and resettlement intersect across the Lake Chad Basin one of the country’s most fragile ecological and security zones.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Amina Wali, Communications Manager of OSPRE.
“The landmark study is part of OSPRE’s broader mandate to enhance national readiness and resilience systems.
“It offers strategic insights to guide policymakers, state and federal government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities as they respond to the complex challenges facing internally displaced persons (IDPs) and resettled populations in the North-East.
Sophie von Knebel, Country Director of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, said the realities of climate change in the Lake Chad region demand urgent, coordinated action.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat for communities in the Lake Chad Basin—it has become part of their everyday lives,” she noted.
“This report provides grounded evidence showing how environmental degradation is intensifying fragility, insecurity, and displacement. We are proud to support a process that empowers policymakers and communities to build a more resilient future.”
The RESTORE Report documents critical issues, including shrinking environmental resources around resettled enclaves, climate-induced livelihood losses, shrinking water availability, and the adaptive strategies communities are forced to deploy.
“It also recommends practical measures such as climate-adaptation planning, ecosystem rehabilitation, inclusive peacebuilding, and coordinated long-term development strategies.
Also speaking the OSPRE Director General, Chris Ngwodo, described the project as a timely intervention for Nigeria’s conflict-affected region.
“The RESTORE Project is a vital step in understanding how climate shocks and environmental pressures are shaping displacement and resettlement patterns in the North-East,” he said.
“Our focus is to ensure that both government and civil society have the tools and evidence they need to build resilient communities and support long-term recovery.”
Lead researcher, Murtala Abdullahi, highlighted the need for multidimensional solutions that integrate reforestation, sustainable livelihoods, water management, transitional justice, disarmament, and ongoing security operations.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sunday Ochoche urged authorities to ensure that resettlement initiatives are not only immediate responses, but sustainable, long-term solutions that empower communities.
“With the RESTORE Report now formally launched, OSPRE and the Heinrich Böll Foundation have pledged to work closely with federal ministries, state governments, local authorities, and community actors to translate the findings into actionable programmes that advance environmental sustainability, climate security, and durable solutions for displacement.