Human Security and Environmental Crisis in Nigeria: Addressing Interconnected Threats to Sustainable Development.

Abstract:

Nigeria faces a combination of environmental degradation, sociopolitical instability, and public health challenges that severely threaten human security and sustainable development. This research investigates the interrelated nature of these hazards using the frameworks of Human Security and Political Ecology. While desertification and climate change in northern Nigeria worsen food hunger and insurgency, environmental crises especially oil pollution and deforestation in the Niger Delta intensify health concerns and resource disputes. Economic pressures, including fuel subsidy removal, inflation, and inequitable resource distribution, further undermine livelihoods and deepen vulnerabilities. This paper highlights the importance of integrated solutions addressing acute personal fears as well as systematic governance shortcomings and social inequality. Emphasizing cooperative efforts among government, communities, and international stakeholders to build resilience and sustainable development, recommendations include strict environmental policies, fair resource management, healthcare infrastructure improvements, and climate adaptation strategies.