Maize is an important staple crop in Africa but is severely affected by frequent droughts leading to crop failure. Drought tolerant maize (DTM) has been recognised as one of the most important innovations necessary for maize farmers to be able to adapt to climate change and is, therefore, promoted in the region. This paper examines the determinants of adoption of DTM innovation by smallholder farmers in rural Nigeria. The paper is mainly based on a survey of 200 farm households selected from two agro-ecological zones in north-east Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results show that adverse climatic conditions are very important in the adoption of DTM as the farmers indicated early maturity, drought tolerance and high yield as the main benefits of the DTM innovation. Climate change awareness and farmers’ perceptions about DTM are the major factors that influence the adoption of the innovation. The main constraints to adoption include lack of awareness, fertilizer accessibility problems and lack of access to seed. The paper concludes that DTM innovation is important for maize farmers to continue to produce under a changing climate, but more support is needed if the innovation is to be adopted by many farmers.