By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has called for strong national goals and measures to match the urgency of the biodiversity crisis confronting the nation to halt human-induced extinction, forest loss, and ecosystem degradation.
Dr. Salako made the call on Thursday in Abuja, during an event scheduled to mark the culmination of crucial process aimed at aligning national biodiversity targets with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasized the importance of the initiative, commending stakeholders for their dedication.
“Our role today as trustees of the Nigerian people is to shine the beacon of hope for the natural world,” he said.
He urged stakeholders saying, “Let ambition guide you as you validate the goals, targets, and indicators that will guide Nigeria’s response to the biodiversity crisis.”
Salako highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and species loss, stressing the continent’s ambition to protect its lands, seas, wildlife, and people.
He noted that Nigeria, alongside other African nations, is at the forefront of these efforts.
He acknowledged the support of international partners, including the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Environment Programme, and Food and Agriculture Organization, for their financial and technical assistance.
The minister also emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the effective implementation of the NBSAP, ensuring sustainability and conservation in Nigeria.
NBSAP is a key policy instrument for implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), has been rapidly aligned with the new goals and targets of the KMGBF.
This alignment aims to accelerate action towards achieving the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.
Meanwhile, the minister approved the validated National Biodiversity Targets and Indicators, integrating them into broader national strategies and plans.
He urged continued collective action to meet Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and related agreements.
The KMGBF, adopted to combat biodiversity loss globally, serves as a guiding tool for nations to reduce threats to biodiversity.