Nigeria’s Biodiversity Crisis: Urgent Call for Conservation Action

By Salamatu Fada

Biodiversity loss is a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, human livelihoods, and the planet’s future. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over one million species are at risk of extinction due to human activities. Protected areas, such as those under the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), play a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity, yet challenges persist. The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity emphasized the urgent need for global action to meet biodiversity targets, stressing conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of natural resources. While these frameworks guide international efforts, local contexts, like Nigeria’s, present unique challenges and opportunities.

Nigeria is home to some of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannas and forests to wetlands and mangroves. However, this rich biodiversity is under significant threat. Rapid deforestation, overgrazing, and urbanization are some of the leading causes of habitat loss. Nigeria has lost nearly 96% of its primary forest cover, a devastating statistic for species that rely on these habitats. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) estimates that the country loses about 400,000 hectares of forest annually. This deforestation has cascading effects on wildlife. For instance, Nigeria’s population of African elephants has plummeted to fewer than 300 individuals, primarily due to habitat destruction and poaching. Similarly, the Cross River gorilla, one of the world’s most endangered primates, faces extinction, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining in the wild.

Major Threats to Nigerian Biodiversity

1. Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Nigeria’s forests are disappearing at an alarming rate, driven by agriculture, logging, and infrastructure development. Mangrove ecosystems, critical for coastal protection and fisheries, are being degraded by oil spills and unsustainable practices.

2. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns are disrupting ecosystems, leading to the loss of species unable to adapt.

3. Illegal Wildlife Trade: Nigeria is a hotspot for illegal wildlife trafficking, with pangolins, elephants, and primates among the most targeted species.

4. Pollution: Oil spills in the Niger Delta have devastated aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, killing fish, birds, and mangroves.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges

While there are numerous conservation initiatives in Nigeria, challenges abound. Protected areas, such as Yankari Game Reserve and Cross River National Park, face funding shortages and inadequate enforcement of anti-poaching laws. The Federal Government has made efforts to combat biodiversity loss through policies like the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), but implementation remains inconsistent.

Local communities play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. For example, the establishment of community forest reserves in Cross River State has helped protect critical habitats for endangered species. However, these efforts must be scaled up to meet the magnitude of the crisis.

Addressing biodiversity loss in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach, linked closely with the targets of some UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Strengthening Policies and Enforcement: Implementing stricter regulations and ensuring their enforcement can curb illegal activities – SDG 16
• Restoration Projects: Reforestation and habitat restoration initiatives can help recover lost ecosystems SDG 14 AND 15
• Climate Adaptation Strategies: Integrating climate resilience into conservation plans is essential – SDG 13
• Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity can galvanize public support for conservation efforts – SDG 4
• Global Cooperation: Aligning local efforts with international frameworks, such as the IUCN guidelines and COP16 commitments, can enhance outcomes – SDG 17 and 16

Conclusion

The alarming loss of biodiversity in Nigeria reflects a microcosm of the global crisis. As the world rallies to meet targets set by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the SDG, Nigeria must rise to the challenge by leveraging its rich natural heritage and mobilizing resources for conservation. Protecting biodiversity is not just an environmental imperative but a necessity for the nation’s sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.

Dr Salamatu J. Fada is a conservation biologist and educator.