ACCESS4ALL Group

In the context of climate adaptation in Nigeria, government agencies hold the greatest influence, while local communities benefit most from project outcomes. Federal and state institutions—including the Federal Ministry of Environment, NEMA, and State Emergency Management Agencies—control policy frameworks, regulatory approvals, and resource allocation. Their decisions shape project design, implementation priorities, and long-term sustainability. Local communities, particularly flood-prone households, small-scale farmers, and coastal residents, are the primary beneficiaries, gaining improved resilience, reduced exposure to climate hazards, and alternative livelihood opportunities.

Stakeholder roles, benefits, and influence can be summarized as follows:

• Government Agencies: Provide policy direction, approve funding, and oversee implementation. High influence; medium to high benefit through national development gains.

• NGOs and Civil Society: Facilitate community engagement, mobilize funding, and implement interventions. Moderate influence; medium benefit from project success and donor accountability.

• Local Communities: Participate in project activities, adopt adaptation measures, and provide local knowledge. Low influence; high benefit from improved resilience.

• Researchers/Technical Experts: Offer climate data, monitoring, and design solutions. Medium influence; medium benefit from applied research and knowledge dissemination.

Different groups contribute and depend on each other. Governments rely on NGOs and researchers for technical execution and local mobilization; NGOs and researchers depend on government approvals and funding; communities depend on all actors for resources, training, and infrastructure.

Power imbalances are evident: communities, despite high stakes, have limited formal authority, creating risks of low ownership or marginalization. Women, youth, and informal workers may be particularly overlooked, highlighting the need for participatory approaches.

Power and influence were determined based on control over resources, decision-making authority, and dependency on project outcomes. High-influence stakeholders shape priorities; high-benefit stakeholders have the most at stake but limited authority, emphasizing the importance of inclusive engagement for sustainable climate adaptation.

References:

• Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach.

• Arnstein, S. R. (1969). A Ladder of Citizen Participation.

• IPCC (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability.