Danjuma Amodu | January 29, 2026
Nigeria has launched a revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to conserve and address biodiversity challenges in the country.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, stated that the revised NBSAP provides a national roadmap for addressing these challenges in a coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented manner, aligning with national priorities and international obligations.
The Minister represented by the Director of Forestry, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari emphasized that Nigeria’s diverse ecosystems are vital to food security, livelihoods, climate resilience, and national development but are under threat from habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable exploitation, and climate change. He urged committee members to provide strategic direction, technical leadership, coordination, and accountability for NBSAP implementation.
“The revised NBSAP provides a clear national roadmap for addressing these challenges in a coordinated, inclusive, and results-oriented manner, in line with our national priorities and obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity,” Balarabe stated.
He explained that effective implementation of the NBSAP goes beyond policy formulation, requiring strong institutions, clear coordination mechanisms, sustained political support, and collective ownership across government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and local communities.
“To this end, the Federal Government has established three complementary bodies: the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Coordination Committee, and the National Biodiversity Technical Committee,” he said.
According to the Minister, these committees are designed to provide strategic direction, technical leadership, coordination, and accountability for NBSAP implementation, while ensuring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
Balarabe emphasized that the inaugural meeting offered an opportunity to assess progress made so far, clarify roles and expectations, and agree on priority actions going forward.
He also stressed the importance of strengthened collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as engagement with non-state actors, noting that biodiversity is a cross-cutting issue affecting all sectors of the economy.
The Minister urged committee members to uphold transparency, inclusivity, technical rigour, and a results-driven focus in the discharge of their responsibilities, adding that regular reporting, effective communication, and mutual accountability would be essential for success.
He further assured participants that the Secretariat would continue to play a central coordinating role and ensure alignment with national and international reporting obligations.
Reaffirming government support, Balarabe stated that while the Federal Government would provide the necessary policy leadership, the achievement of Nigeria’s biodiversity goals ultimately depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
“I urge you to approach your responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and a shared sense of national purpose. Together, we must safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity heritage for present and future generations while unlocking its potential for sustainable development and economic growth.
Balarabe, after his remark therefore innagurated the Committee.
“On this note, it is my honour to formally inaugurate the Committees for the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP),” he said.
Director of Forestry, Mrs Halima Bawa-Bwari, highlighted that biodiversity is the foundation of livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and cultural identity. She noted that the inauguration of the NBSAP Implementation Committees marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey to safeguard, restore, and sustainably manage its rich biodiversity.
Bawa-Bwari, who was represented by the Deputy Director Forestry, Mr Labaran Ahmed, 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 concluded that these committees would reverse these trends and promote sustainable practices that balance conservation with development.
