By Faridat Salifu
The National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) has announced plans to roll out a comprehensive mangrove restoration initiative in 2025, aimed at advancing climate change solutions through nature-based strategies.
Speaking at the recent interactive media session Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director-General of NCCCS, outlined the Secretariat’s key agenda for the coming year, which is centered around the theme: “Amplifying Nature-Based Climate Solutions.”
She emphasized that this theme aligns with the mangrove-focused breakthrough initiative unveiled at COP27, which seeks to raise $4 billion for global mangrove conservation and restoration efforts.
“Mangroves are vital not only for climate change mitigation but also for enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities,” Dr. Maduekwe stated, underscoring the importance of protecting these critical ecosystems.
The restoration initiative is designed to halt the rapid loss of mangrove forests, restore half of the mangrove areas lost in recent decades, and double global mangrove protection efforts by 2030.
As part of its 2025 agenda, the NCCCS plans to develop a detailed roadmap for mangrove conservation, with emphasis on accelerating climate action and building resilience to environmental change.
The director-general also revealed that the Secretariat intends to engage with financial partners and stakeholders at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Climate Week to secure the necessary investment for the initiative.
However, Dr. Maduekwe highlighted that mangrove restoration is a long-term commitment, noting that such projects require sustained community involvement and ownership to be truly effective.
“Community engagement is crucial to the success of these efforts,” she noted, saying, “We need the local population to actively support and participate in the conservation and protection of mangroves to ensure long-term sustainability.”
The NCCCS, she said, is also targeting a significant funding milestone, aiming to mobilize $4 billion for mangrove conservation by 2030.
This funding would support both restoration projects and the protection of existing mangrove ecosystems, which are critical in reducing carbon emissions and fostering climate resilience.
The announcement signals an important step in Nigeria’s broader climate strategy, as the country seeks to increase its engagement with nature-based solutions to address the challenges of climate change.
