Nigeria's federal government is doubling down on efforts to fight biodiversity loss and environmental degradation across the country. Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal made this commitment during a project commissioning ceremony in Edo State on Thursday.
Lawal spoke at Okomu National Park in Udo, where the government unveiled initiatives funded by the Global Environment Facility and executed through the Food and Agriculture Organisation. The projects target Delta, Edo, Ogun and Ondo states, focusing on forest conservation and sustainable land management.
According to the minister, the initiative combines ecosystem restoration with sustainable business practices and knowledge exchange among stakeholders. It's designed to strengthen biodiversity protection across vulnerable lowland forest landscapes in the region.
"Nigeria will continue to engage with GEF, FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO and other partners to mobilise resources and technical support for sustainable environmental management," Lawal noted. He emphasized that protecting Nigeria's natural resources requires everyone's participation.
During the ceremony, officials commissioned a three-room ranger barracks and a renovated office at Okomu National Park. Similar facilities were also unveiled at Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State.
Lawal praised Chief Patrick Igbinidu, the Iyase N'Udo, for his role in preserving the community's natural environment. He called on all Nigerians to treat environmental conservation as a shared duty.
FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, described the projects as evidence of genuine commitment to protecting wildlife and supporting local communities.
He highlighted improved conservation management and ecological monitoring as key outcomes.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo State Commissioner for Environment Nosa Adams revealed the state has planted 6,000 tree seedlings recently. The effort forms part of Edo's broader strategy to tackle climate change.
Lawrence Osaze, the Okomu Park Conservator, said the developments will strengthen management of protected areas significantly. He noted that community involvement in conservation efforts will reduce pressure on forest resources.
