By Obiabin Onukwugha
As Nigeria joins the globe to mark the 2026 World Biodiversity Day, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has called on President Bola Tinubu to assent the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Law, which was passed in 2025 by the National Assembly.
The NCF also called on governments, communities, businesses, and citizens to turn global commitments into local actions, stating that Nigeria’s biodiversity is on the briink.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed globally on May 22. The 2026 theme is “Acting Locally for Global Impact” and focuses on empowering grassroots initiatives and local communities to achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Established by the United Nations, this global event aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of protecting ecosystems, preserving plant and animal species, and halting the rapid loss of nature.
In a statement to mark the day, which was made available to NatureNews on Thursday, the NCF highlighted that Nigeria is one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations, yet this natural wealth is disappearing at an alarming rate.
“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,” the NCF said.
It stated that Nigeria has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, with over 90% of its original forest cover already lost.
The NCF stated that 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.
NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, noted that 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.”
Onoja emphasised that the 2026 World Biodiversity Day is a reminder that global targets are only achieved when local actors take responsibility.
He further stated that 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.
According to him while biodiversity
research in Nigeria is increasing, it remains far below global output, emphasizing that action must be inclusive, evidence-based, and well-funded.
Onoja pointed out that over the next five years, NCF will continue to prioritize conservation actions for key species and
ecosystems most at risk, working with communities, state governments, academia, and the private
sector.
“This includes strengthening the protection and management of priority habitats, combating illegal hunting and wildlife trade through enforcement, monitoring, and public reporting, education,
awareness and restoring degraded landscapes through community-led initiatives.
“We will also build local capacity for biodiversity monitoring and ensure that data informs decision-making, while
integrating biodiversity values into development planning at state and local levels,” he stated.
Onoja added that every citizen has a role in stopping “the promotion of indiscriminate hunting of wildlife on social media and stop celebrating social media posts that glorify animal cruelty and illegal trade.”
In his message to mark the day, UN Secretary General, António Guterres, described biodiversity as the living web that sustains humanity.
He regretted that climate chaos, pollution, and the relentless exploitation of land, ocean andfreshwater, are pushing the natural world towards breakdown – with devastating consequences for people, livelihoods, and sustainable development.
He also pointed out that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework shows the way forward. “But we must pick up the pace – with ambition and accountability.”
“Governments must lead by accelerating implementation, mobilizing finance, and
closing capacity gaps that hold back progress. But as this year’s theme reminds us,success depends on action far beyond national capitals. Indigenous Peoples and
local communities, women and young people, academia, businesses, cities and
regions all have a vital role in protecting and restoring nature,” he said.
Gutteres revealed that the United Nations is supporting Member States through inclusive, science‑based action – updating national biodiversity strategies, expanding protected areas, restoring ecosystems, and integrating nature into sustainable development planning and climate action.
“On this International Day for Biological Diversity, let us champion those acting
locally for global impact – and work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss,so people and nature flourish together,” he stated.
