World Wildlife Day 2025: Nigeria commits to conservation funding
By Zeniat Abubakar, Abuja.
Nigeria is committed to strengthening its conservation financing landscape through strategic partnership, policy reforms and innovative funding models.
The Minister of Environment, Mr Barabe Lawal disclosed this at the 2025 World Wildlife Day, which held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital with the theme, ” Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
The Minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Ibrahim Kambari, says government is advancing efforts to combat poaching, enhance protected areas and empower communities as a key stakeholder in conservation.
“The establishment of conservation financing framework and public-private partnership will be critical in unlocking new opportunities for biodiversity protection and sustainable development. As we mark this year’s World Wildlife Day, let us reaffirm our commitment, our collective resolve to prioritize investment in wildlife conservation. We must see conservation not as expenditure, but as investment.” He said.
The Minister encouraged all stakeholders to explore new strategies, forge stronger partnerships and take decisive action towards sustainable financing for the wildlife conservation.
“This requires a collaboration effort between the government, international partners, financial institutions and other communities must work together to secure sustainable funding stream that align with the conservation activity we are intending to carry out. Together we can ensure that wildlife and natural heritage thrive for generations to come.” He said.
Mr Balarabe, also noted that Wildlife is not just a source of national pride and ecological balance, it is also the foundation of economy and social well-being for millions of people.
“From eco-tourism to sustainable livelihoods, healthy eco-system contributes significantly to national economies. As the Prime Minister has elaborated a lot for us here to see.” He said .
According to him, “Climate resilience and global biodiversity targets However, despite their immense value, our wildlife and natural ecosystem continue to face unprecedented threats from poaching, habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, climate change and up tune exacerbated by insufficient funding.
The reality is clear, public funds alone are not enough to sustain conservation efforts. There is need for innovative financing mechanism, both private sector and the community-based revenue models must be harnessed to ensure long-term conservation.”
Representative of UNODC Country Office Nigeria, Mr Cheikh Toure, said that countries must seek funding mechanism that empowers local communities, drive long-term sustainability to afford them greater autonomy in deciding how and where to apply critically needed resources.
“We must understand that investing in our wildlife and biodiversity is not just an environmental imperative but an investment in our shared future, the health of our ecosystems and in the well-being of humanity.” He said.
He stressed that Nigeria must build and develop its own models that align with conservation goals and sustainable development.
“So where should we look for these innovative models? To find inspiring examples, we can turn to other African countries. Take Kenya, for example, where carbon credit programs are actively protecting forests. Or consider Namibia, where community conservancies are generating steady and sustainable revenue through tourism.’ he said.
Mr Toure further noted that Nigeria must continue to enhance law enforcement capabilities to combat wildlife trafficking and strengthen its criminal justice system to deter illegal actors and protect its endangered species.
Also speaking on behalf of the Africa Wildiife Fund, Mr Mark Ofua said Nigerian government is doing everything possible to ensure that the relevant law enforcement agencies are there, urging other stakeholders to work with the government to ensure preservation of biodiversity.
He emphasised that Nigeria needs to step up by saving the forest and the animals.
“Saving wildlife is not just because we like the animals but about saving humanity, there must be a change in our conversation ” he added.
He stressed that the government has a role to play in conversation finance to ensure that there’s enabling environmental laws for equitable economy.
This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.”underscores the critical role of financial mechanisms in ensuring the long-term protection of our natural resources while supporting communities that depend on them.
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