By Anan Geolengs
The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on government, communities, businesses, and citizens to turn global commitments into local actions.
This is as Nigeria’s biodiversity faces mounting threats.
NCF stated this in a statement to mark
World Biodiversity Day 2026.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations. Our savannas, montane forests, rainforests, freshwater swamps, floodplains, and coastal and marine habitats support nearly 8,000 plant species across 338 families and over 22,000 animal species, including insects, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
“ In terms of overall biodiversity richness, Nigeria ranks 36th globally, with particularly high diversity in birds, mammals, and vascular plants.
“Yet this natural wealth is disappearing at an alarming rate. Nigeria has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, with over 90% of its original forest cover already lost.”
It said habitat fragmentation, climate change, overexploitation, pollution from oil spills and gas flaring, and invasive alien species continue to drive species decline and ecosystem degradation.
“Illegal, indiscriminate and unsustainable wildlife hunting and exploitation, often facilitated through social media and informal markets further undermine conservation gains.”
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation said “Biodiversity loss is not an abstract global problem. It is happening in our forests, wetlands, and communities, and it affects food security, water, health, and livelihoods. World Biodiversity Day 2026 is a reminder that global targets are only achieved when local actors take responsibility.
“The Kunming–Montreal Framework gives us the roadmap. The NBSAP gives us the plan. What we need now is execution at the local level, where ecosystems are managed and communities live”
Nigeria’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aligns with the 23 global targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and commits the country to halting biodiversity loss by 2030 through effective management of high-priority areas and protecting at least 30% of land, inland waters, and coastal and marine habitats in well-connected networks.”
