As the world observers the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) (or World Biodiversity Day) on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to sign the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025 into law as passed by the National Assembly.
According to the nature conservation group, the legislation is long overdue and “will provide the legal backbone needed to prosecute wildlife crimes, regulate trade, and deter the exploitation of threatened species”.
NCF called on government, communities, businesses, and citizens to turn global commitments into local actions, adding that 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. Nigeria has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, with over 90% of its original forest cover already lost. 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,” submitted the group.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, said: “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. World Biodiversity Day 2026 is a reminder that global targets are only achieved when local actors take responsibility. The Kunming–Montreal Framework gives us the roadmap. The NBSAP gives us the plan. What we need now is execution at the local level, where ecosystems are managed and communities live.”
NCF emphasises that action must be inclusive, evidence-based, and well-funded. “While biodiversity research in Nigeria is increasing, it remains far below global output. Without urgent investment and integration with poverty reduction strategies, the window to reverse loss will close.”
Over the next five years, NCF says it will continue to prioritise 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,” NCF added.
Source: Environews
