The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the conservation and protection of Nigeria’s mangroves, focusing on reforestation, afforestation, and securing sustainable funding.
This was disclosed on Friday by Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, Director General and CEO of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
The roadmap will serve as a strategic guide, outlining key priorities for mangrove conservation while aligning with the global Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative launched at COP27. It also reflects the Secretariat’s 2025 theme of amplifying nature-based climate solutions.
Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, highlighted the initiative’s focus on coastal resilience, community livelihoods, and environmental protection.
She noted, “The world has recognized the significance of mangroves for livelihoods, coastal resilience, and amplifying nature-based climate solutions.
We’re conducting technical site visits across nine states in the Niger Delta to assess the status of our mangroves and determine actions to strengthen adaptation efforts.”
The roadmap’s development will include a town hall meeting on February 4 in Calabar, Cross River State, the first Nigerian state to adopt a climate change law and establish a green economy commission.
The meeting will convene Commissioners of Environment, international partners, and stakeholders to explore financing opportunities and discuss challenges in mangrove conservation.
Maduekwe also announced a symposium in Lagos on March 5, focusing on the intersection of arts, climate change, and mangrove conservation.
“Through art exhibitions and stakeholder engagement, we aim to highlight the importance of reforestation and mangrove protection as part of our broader nature-based climate solutions,” she stated.
Central to the initiative is Nigeria’s participation in the Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative, which seeks to raise $4 billion in sustainable finance for global mangrove conservation.
Dr. Maduekwe emphasized the need for Nigeria to secure grants rather than loans for these efforts, adding, “The absence of a policy document has been a major challenge.
This roadmap will provide a strategic framework to attract climate finance and ensure effective implementation.”
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the accelerating loss of forest cover and enhancing coastal resilience, with mangrove conservation seen as pivotal to achieving sustainable environmental and economic outcomes.
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