Nigeria To Develop Roadmap For Nationwide Mangrove Conservation

The Nigerian Government has announced plans to develop a roadmap for the conservation and protection of mangroves nationwide as part of its efforts to promote nature-based solutions to climate change.

The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) and Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe said this during a media briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Dr Maduekwe noted that the roadmap would help to create a clear plan for conserving the country’s mangroves and attracting the funding needed to do so.

She said; “This is not just about conservation; it’s about getting the community involved. We want people to take ownership of these projects so they can last. We are working with partners like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation to make this happen.” 

Maduekwe noted that mangroves play a vital role in protecting coastlines, supporting livelihoods, and addressing climate change.

Technical Site Visit

While explaining the NCCC’s 2025 work plan to journalists, she said that “technical site visits would begin in nine Niger Delta states, followed by a town hall meeting in Calabar on February 4.”

According to her, “the meeting will bring together state’s Environment Commissioners, International partners, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities for funding mangrove conservation.”

She said, “the world has recognised that mangroves are essential for building coastal resilience and improving the lives of local communities.”

Global fund utilisation 

Dr. Maduekwe stressed that Nigeria planned to tap into the $4 billion global fund under the Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative launched at COP27.

“Our goal is to secure grants, not loans, for these projects. We want sustainable financing that will benefit Nigerians without adding financial burdens,” she said.

The Director General, stressed that mangrove conservation is a long-term effort.

“This is not something that will happen in one year or five years. We are looking at a detailed, step-by-step approach to protecting these critical ecosystems for generations to come,” she added.

Mercy Chukwudiebere