The impact of climate change in West Africa presents a substantial obstacle, jeopardizing its socio-economic progress and intensifying existing conflict vulnerabilities. The manifestation of rising heat temperatures, unpredictable precipitation patterns, desertification, flood, and drought all impact agricultural activities and water availability. These effects weaken the ability to access and maintain an adequate food supply, increase the level of poverty, and put pressure on economic development. Existing adaptation plan/policies in West Africa reveal that, in Nigeria, policies such as the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change in Nigeria (NASPACCN) have been formulated, yet its impact is constrained by little funding and bureaucratic inertia. Chad and Niger, grappling with severe droughts and flooding adopted the Chad the Chad National
Adaptation Plan Advancement Project, and National Policy on Climate Change respectively. However, these policies face significant challenges due to internal or regional conflicts and sociopolitical instability. Cameroon’s adaptation policy, including the National Development Strategy (SDN30) is undermined by limited stakeholder engagement and resource allocation. Existing literature emphasized two key issues. First, there is an urgency for robust climate leadership and effective adaptation policies to foster resilient development in the region. Second, ‘climate leadership’ should involve proactive governance, innovative policy frameworks, and regional cooperation to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. The research utilizes secondary sources to explore how climate leadership and effective adaptation strategies are crucial for sustainable progress in West Africa. Findings reveal that while these countries have established various climate adaptation frameworks, their implementation and efficacy are hindered by weak leadership and governance, limited financial resources, and insufficient political will. The paper recommends that climate leaders must prioritize climate concerns within their comprehensive development plan.