Global Issues in Citizenship SS3 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note

What Are Global Issues?

Let me ask you something. Do you think Nigeria’s problems are only Nigeria’s responsibility?

The answer is no. Today, the world is connected. What happens in one country affects others. These are called global issues—problems that cross borders and affect multiple nations.

Climate change in China affects Nigeria’s weather. Terrorism in Mali affects Nigeria’s security. Migration from poor countries affects rich countries. A virus in one country spreads to many. Economic crisis in America affects businesses in Nigeria.

We live in a connected world. That’s why we call them global issues.

Why Should Nigerians Care About Global Issues?

You might think, “We have enough problems in Nigeria. Why worry about the world?”

Here’s why. Global issues directly affect Nigeria:

First, global issues create refugees and migrants who come to Nigeria. When there’s war or poor conditions elsewhere, people flee to Nigeria.

Second, Nigeria’s economy depends on the world. If the world economy is unstable, Nigeria struggles. If oil prices fall (Nigeria’s main export), our economy suffers.

Third, global issues like climate change affect Nigeria’s agriculture, water, and environment.

Fourth, terrorism affects us directly. Boko Haram originated from global extremist networks. It affects Nigeria’s security.

Finally, as a large African nation, Nigeria has responsibility to engage with global issues. We must be part of global solutions.

Global Issue 1: Terrorism

Let me be direct about this. Nigeria knows terrorism.

Terrorism is when groups use violence and fear to achieve political goals. Terrorists attack civilians, destroy property, and kill people to spread terror and make a point.

In Nigeria, we’ve experienced terrorism through Boko Haram, which started in the northeast. They’ve killed thousands, kidnapped children, and displaced millions. This is real and devastating.

Why Does Terrorism Happen?

Terrorism has roots:

Some groups believe their religious or political views are correct and everyone should follow them. When people refuse, they use violence.

Some groups fight against what they see as oppression. They believe violence is justified to change systems they see as unjust.

Some groups are just after power and resources. They use terrorism as a weapon.

Global terrorism is often connected. International networks provide money, training, and weapons. Terrorists communicate across borders. Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other groups operate in multiple countries.

How Terrorism Affects Nations

Terrorism causes direct harm—people die, property is destroyed, communities are traumatized.

But it also causes indirect harm:

• Government spending goes to security instead of development
• Businesses can’t operate safely
• People are afraid to travel or go to school
• Foreign investors leave
• Economies suffer
• Communities are divided by fear

In Nigeria, terrorism in the northeast has displaced millions. Farming has stopped. Schools have closed. The economy of that region has collapsed.

Fighting Terrorism

Governments fight terrorism through:

• Military operations against terrorist groups
• Intelligence gathering and surveillance
• Police investigations
• International cooperation
• Addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunities

But here’s the challenge. Military force alone doesn’t solve terrorism. If conditions that create terrorism—poverty, lack of jobs, injustice, poor governance—remain, new terrorists emerge.

True solution requires both security operations and addressing root causes.

Global Issue 2: Migration

Migration means people moving from one place to another, often from one country to another.

People migrate for different reasons:

• Seeking better jobs and opportunities
• Fleeing war or violence
• Escaping persecution
• Reuniting with family
• Studying abroad

Migration isn’t new. For centuries, people have moved. But modern migration is different in scale and complexity.

Migration Patterns

Typically, people move from poor countries to rich countries, from dangerous areas to safe ones.

From Africa, people migrate to Europe, America, and oil-rich Middle Eastern countries. Within Africa, people move from countries with war or poor conditions to countries like Nigeria with more opportunities.

Nigerians migrate too. Many go to Europe, America, and other places seeking opportunities.

Why Migration Matters

For sending countries (like Nigeria), migration has both good and bad sides:

Good sides:

• Young people who can’t find jobs elsewhere go to find opportunities
• They send money back home to families (remittances)
• They reduce population pressure
• They gain skills and experience

Bad sides:

• Brain drain—our best people leave
• Families are separated
• Some people are trafficked and exploited
• The country loses workers and taxpayers

For receiving countries, migration is controversial:

Some say:

• Migrants take jobs from citizens
• Migrants strain services like healthcare and education
• Migrants bring different values that conflict

Others say:

• Migrants do jobs citizens won’t do
• Migrants contribute economically
• Migrants bring diversity and innovation

The truth is complex. Migration has benefits and challenges.

Climate Migration

Here’s something important. Climate change is causing migration.

As climate changes—temperatures rise, droughts increase, flooding happens—people can’t farm or live in their areas. They migrate to find livable places.

In Nigeria, the Sahara is spreading south. Farmers can’t survive. They migrate south, creating conflict over land and resources. This is climate migration.

Challenges of Migration

Illegal Migration

Some people migrate illegally, crossing borders without permission. They’re vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and death.

Many Nigerians have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. It’s tragedy born of desperation.

Integration

When migrants arrive, integrating them is difficult. Language barriers, cultural differences, discrimination—these make integration hard.

Exploitation

Migrants sometimes face exploitation—low wages, poor conditions, abuse. Without legal protection, they’re vulnerable.

Xenophobia

In receiving countries, some citizens resent migrants and discriminate against them.

Global Issue 3: Climate Change

Now let’s talk about climate change. This is perhaps the biggest global challenge.

Climate change means the Earth’s average temperature is rising due to human activities, mainly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) which release greenhouse gases.

These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the planet.

How Climate Change Affects Nigeria

Nigeria sits in a vulnerable position. We’re in West Africa, an area already hot and dry. Climate change makes it worse:

Desertification

The Sahara is expanding south. Land that was farmable becomes desert. Farmers lose livelihoods.

Drought and Water Scarcity

Less rain means less water for drinking, farming, and industry. Droughts destroy harvests and cause food shortages.

Flooding

In other areas, rain patterns change causing severe flooding. Floods destroy homes, crops, and infrastructure.

Rising Sea Levels

Nigeria has a long coastline. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and communities. Lagos, for example, is at risk of flooding.

Agricultural Crisis

Nigeria depends on agriculture. Climate change reduces harvests. Food becomes scarce and expensive. Farmers suffer.

Health Problems

Climate change creates conditions for diseases. Heat stress kills people. Drought spreads disease.

Economic Impact

When agriculture fails and water is scarce, the economy suffers. Jobs are lost. Poverty increases.

Why Climate Change Is a Global Issue

Climate change doesn’t respect borders. Greenhouse gases released in America or China affect Nigeria. Rising sea levels in one country affect neighbors. Droughts in one region affect global food prices.

Solving climate change requires global cooperation.

What’s Being Done About Climate Change

International agreements:

• Paris Agreement where countries commit to reducing emissions
• Countries setting targets to use renewable energy
• Development of clean technology

National actions:

• Some countries banning fossil fuels
• Investing in renewable energy
• Protecting forests
• Improving efficiency

But progress is slow. Many countries don’t follow through on commitments. Powerful fossil fuel interests block action.

HOW THESE ISSUES CONNECT & WHAT YOU CAN DO

How These Issues Are Connected

Here’s something important. These three issues—terrorism, migration, and climate change—are connected.

Climate change causes drought and resource scarcity. When resources are scarce, people compete violently. This creates instability that terrorists exploit.

Climate change and conflict cause migration. People fleeing war or drought migrate to find safety and resources.

Migration can create tension and conflict in receiving areas. Conflict can fuel terrorism.

Terrorism destroys countries, making them unstable. Instability prevents addressing climate change or managing migration well.

They’re interconnected. Solving one requires addressing others.

Nigeria’s Role in Global Issues

As a large African nation, Nigeria must address global issues:

On Terrorism

Nigeria must:

• Fight terrorist groups in our territory
• Cooperate with international partners
• Address poverty and lack of opportunity that creates terrorists
• Protect citizens and communities
• Support regional security efforts

On Migration

Nigeria must:

• Protect Nigerians who migrate (especially from trafficking)
• Manage migration into Nigeria (we’re a destination country)
• Harness benefits of remittances
• Prevent brain drain by creating opportunities
• Support regional cooperation on migration

On Climate Change

Nigeria must:

• Reduce our own emissions
• Adapt to climate impacts (through drought-resistant crops, water management)
• Protect our environment (forests, water bodies)
• Invest in renewable energy
• Help vulnerable communities adapt

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What Citizens Can Do About Terrorism

Don’t Join Extremist Groups

Extremist groups recruit young people, often online. Don’t be recruited. Don’t believe their ideology.

Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect terrorist activity, report it to authorities.

Support Peacebuilding

In your community, promote peace. Build relationships across religious and ethnic lines. Reduce the divisions terrorists exploit.

Address Root Causes

Support education, job creation, and opportunity. When people have hope, they’re less likely to join terrorists.

Understand the Issues

Learn about why terrorism happens. Understand that terrorists aren’t representative of any religion. Learn facts instead of stereotypes.

What Citizens Can Do About Migration

Don’t Migrate Illegally

Illegal migration is dangerous. Traffickers exploit migrants. Many die. If you want to migrate, do it legally.

Support Migrants

If migrants come to your community, treat them humanely. Don’t discriminate. Help them integrate.

Advocate for Better Policies

When government creates migration policies, ensure they’re humane. Protect migrants from exploitation.

Create Opportunities at Home

When young people have jobs and opportunities, they don’t feel desperate to migrate. Support entrepreneurship and job creation.

What Citizens Can Do About Climate Change

This one is actionable. You can do things right now:

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Use less energy. Walk or use public transport instead of cars. Don’t waste electricity or water. Eat less meat. These reduce your emissions.

Protect the Environment

Don’t litter. Don’t burn waste. Support forest protection. Keep your environment clean.

Use Renewable Energy

If possible, use solar power at home. Support renewable energy development.

Advocate for Climate Action

Push for climate policies. Support candidates who take climate seriously. Use social media to raise awareness.

Adapt to Climate Change

If you’re a farmer, try drought-resistant crops. In flooding areas, build drainage systems. Help your community adapt.

Support Climate Justice

Rich countries caused most climate change but poor countries suffer most. Advocate for justice—rich countries should help poor countries adapt.

Real Examples from Nigeria

Environmental Activism

Young Nigerians have organized cleanups, promoted renewable energy, and advocated for environmental protection. They’re fighting climate change.

Peacebuilding

Organizations work across religious and ethnic lines to reduce conflict that terrorists exploit. This is addressing terrorism’s root causes.

Youth Migration Programs

Some organizations train young Nigerians for jobs, reducing desperation that drives illegal migration.

Adaptation Programs

Agricultural programs teach farmers climate-smart farming techniques to survive drought.

Your Generation’s Role

Here’s the truth. Your generation will face these global issues more than any before.

Climate change will intensify. Migration will increase. Terrorism will evolve. These aren’t going away soon.

But you’re also the generation with the most knowledge, tools, and connectivity to address these issues.

You can:

Think Globally, Act Locally

Understand global issues but act in your community. A climate action project in your school contributes globally.

Build Bridges

In your school and community, build relationships across divides. These relationships prevent conflict and terrorism.

Develop Solutions

Your generation will develop new technologies, policies, and approaches. Start thinking now about solutions.

Stay Informed

Read reliable news. Understand global issues. Make informed decisions.

Lead with Integrity

Whatever you do about these issues, do it with integrity. Don’t exploit migrants. Don’t support terrorists. Don’t damage the environment for profit.

Be Hopeful but Realistic

These are serious challenges. But humans have overcome serious challenges before. Have hope, but work hard.

Summary: Key Points

• Global issues cross borders and affect multiple nations including Nigeria
• Terrorism uses violence to spread fear and achieve political goals. Boko Haram has devastated Nigeria. Fighting terrorism requires both military action and addressing root causes
• Migration is people moving between countries. It’s caused by poverty, conflict, and climate change. It has benefits but also challenges
• Climate change causes rising temperatures, desertification, drought, flooding, and threatens Nigeria’s agriculture, water, and coastal areas
• These three issues are interconnected—climate change drives migration and instability that terrorists exploit
• Nigeria must fight terrorism, manage migration, and address climate change through government action
• Citizens can help by: not joining extremist groups, reporting suspicious activity; migrating legally, supporting migrants; reducing carbon footprint, protecting environment, advocating for climate action
• Young Nigerians have crucial roles in addressing global issues through local action, building bridges, developing solutions, staying informed, and leading with integrity

Reflection Questions:

1. How do terrorism, migration, and climate change directly affect your life or community?
2. Do you think Nigeria should prioritize fighting terrorism, managing migration, or addressing climate change? Why?
3. Have you considered migrating? What would make you want to leave Nigeria? What would make you stay?
4. What’s one thing you could do right now to fight climate change?
5. How can your generation address these global issues better than the current generation?
6. What connection do you see between these three issues?