The Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework during his address at the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2025–2030 Validation Workshop held in Abuja.
Speaking to a cross-section of stakeholders, the Minister described the workshop as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward safeguarding its rich natural heritage. He noted that the revised NBSAP is both ambitious and implementable, reflecting Nigeria’s resolve to align its national strategies with global biodiversity goals.
“Nigeria stood tall during the 2022 negotiations, ensuring that our national priorities were captured in the final global agreement,” Lawal stated. “Today, we take the next crucial step by validating a robust NBSAP that aligns with those global targets.”
The Minister highlighted the significance of Target 1 of the new plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, all areas of high biodiversity importance are effectively managed, with biodiversity loss brought close to zero. He described this target as “transformative,” reflecting Nigeria’s forward-looking approach to environmental conservation.
Nigeria, he emphasized, is blessed with abundant biodiversity—from unique ecosystems to critical flora and fauna—that not only sustain the environment but also provide vital ecosystem services such as food, medicine, clean water, and fertile soil. “Protecting this natural wealth is not just an environmental duty; it’s essential to our economy, our health, and our future,” he added.
Lawal commended the technical experts, stakeholders, and development partners whose tireless efforts have shaped the revised NBSAP. “Your hard work and dedication have brought us this far. Together, I believe we can fully implement this plan for our people, our environment, and future generations.”
He concluded with a rallying call: “Let’s keep climbing. Together.”
