The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, inaugurated a revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to conserve and address biodiversity challenges in the country.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said this at the inauguration of the revised NBSAP committee in Abuja.
“This inaugural meeting therefore provides an important opportunity to take stock of progress made so far in implementing the NBSAP, to clarify roles and expectations, and to agree on priority actions going forward.”
Lawal, who was represented by Mrs. Halima Bawa-Bwari, the Director, Forestry Department in the Ministry, assured that government remained fully committed to provide the necessary policy support and leadership required for the successful implementation of the NBSAP.
“The revised NBSAP provides us a national roadmap for addressing these challenges in a coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented manner, in line with national priorities.
“It is in recognition of this need that government has put in place structures and inclusive implementation mechanism being harnessed through the Committees being inaugurated.
“Let me reiterate that at this point that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Coordination Committee, and the National Biodiversity Technical Committee, each have distinct but complementary roles.”
Lawal urged the committee members to provide strategic direction, technical leadership, coordination, and accountability for NBSAP implementation.
“These committees are designed to ensure a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, promote coherence across sectors, mobilise resources, track progress, and support evidence-based decision-making at the highest levels.
“It also offers a platform to strengthen collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as with non-state actors, recognising that biodiversity is a cross-cutting issue that touches all sectors of our economy and society.
“Together, they are expected to provide strategic direction, technical leadership, coordination, and accountability for NBSAP implementation,” the minister said.
Earlier, Bawa-Bwari said that biodiversity is the foundation of our livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and cultural identity.
Bawa-Bwari, who was represented by Mr. Labaran Ahmed, Deputy Director, Forestry, said that the inauguration marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective journey to safeguard, restore, and sustainably manage the rich biodiversity that defines our nation’s natural heritage.
“Please be reminded that the NBSAP is not merely a policy document, it is a national commitment to ensuring that our forests, wildlife, wetlands, and ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
“The inauguration of these committees signals the transition from planning to action. It is a call to duty and an opportunity for us to translate strategies into tangible results.
“Forests are home to countless species, they regulate our climate, and they provide essential services to communities across the country. Yet, they are under increasing pressure from deforestation, unsustainable exploitation, and climate change,” she said.
Bawa-Bwari reiterated that these committees, being inaugurated, would reverse these trends and promote sustainable practices that balance conservation with development.
By Abigael Joshua