FG endorses revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2030

New Blueprint Targets Near-Zero Biodiversity Loss

The Federal Government has officially validated the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2025–2030, marking a major step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss and reduce ecosystem degradation in high-biodiversity areas.

The updated strategy, which aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, was formally endorsed during a validation workshop held in Abuja on Wednesday. The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, was represented at the event by the Director of the Forestry Department, Dr. Amah Moses.

In his remarks, the Minister described the revised NBSAP as an ambitious and far-reaching document aimed at transforming Nigeria’s biodiversity landscape over the next five years. He emphasized the scale of the plan’s ambition, noting, “Target 1 alone will have a massive impact.”

Lawal highlighted the country’s rich biodiversity, pointing out its essential role in national wellbeing. “Nigeria is home to some of the richest biodiversity in Africa. This biodiversity underpins our food security, access to freshwater, healthcare, agriculture, and ultimately our livelihoods,” he said.

He underscored that biodiversity preservation is not merely an environmental concern but a national priority, with the plan designed to bring biodiversity loss in key areas close to zero.

While acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead, Lawal expressed optimism that with sustained commitment and stakeholder collaboration, the goals of the NBSAP could be achieved for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari—represented by a ministry official—described the validation of the revised plan as a major milestone in the country’s environmental conservation journey.

He noted that the revised NBSAP is the product of months of intensive collaboration among experts, stakeholders, and policymakers, aimed at aligning Nigeria’s biodiversity goals with global standards and national development priorities.

“By validating this critical document today, we are reaffirming our shared resolve to convert its vision into concrete, actionable steps,” Kambari said.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Ojo, also emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting biodiversity.

“Biodiversity concerns us all. Our choices—whether we act or fail to act—have lasting impacts on conservation in Nigeria,” Ojo said.

He urged Nigerians to view environmental protection as a self-preserving act: “We’re not doing the environment a favor—we’re doing ourselves a favor. The environment can exist without us, but we cannot survive without it.”

The revised NBSAP provides a strategic framework for preserving Nigeria’s unique ecosystems, enhancing resilience to climate change, and supporting sustainable development—signaling a renewed national commitment to living in harmony with nature.