The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to reversing forest loss and strengthening wildlife protection through policy reforms, legislation, and multi-sector partnerships.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made the statement in his keynote address, delivered on his behalf by director Tijjani Ahmad, at the 2026 World Wildlife Day commemoration on Wednesday in Abuja.

The event was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the #BeWildForNature Youth Network.

Mr Lawal described the event as an opportunity to engage young environmental advocates and key stakeholders in conservation.

He commended UNODC for empowering young Nigerians to take action in wildlife protection through its Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment.

He noted that the 2026 theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”, is especially relevant to Nigeria, where millions depend on these plants for healthcare, cultural heritage, and livelihoods.

“Across the country, millions of Nigerians depend on these natural resources for their daily health needs and livelihoods,” he said, warning that increasing deforestation threatens both biodiversity and community resilience.

Mr Lawal cited data showing Nigeria loses between 350,000 and 400,000 hectares of forest annually, with over 60 per cent of the population directly reliant on forests for livelihoods, energy, and traditional medicine.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment through strengthened policies and coordinated actions, including implementing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, awaiting presidential assent, and the National Forest Policy for sustainable forest management.

The minister emphasised the role of young people, describing the #BeWildForNature Youth Network members as “not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are shaping the future today through your creativity, innovation and digital influence.”

He urged youths to promote conservation in their communities, adopt sustainable practices, and use their platforms to raise awareness of natural resource protection.

Mr Lawal called for stronger partnerships among government, private sector, civil society, and international organisations to safeguard biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

“As we commemorate World Wildlife Day, let this be more than a symbolic observance; let it be a renewed call to action.

“Together, we can conserve our medicinal and aromatic plants, protect our ecosystems, and secure a sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Department of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience, urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in biodiversity conservation, especially protecting medicinal and aromatic plants.

Mr Bisong warned that these resources are increasingly threatened by deforestation, unsustainable harvesting, climate change, and illicit trafficking.

“Through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, youths could promote sustainable practices, support biodiversity conservation, and create green jobs that contribute to economic growth,” he said. 

(NAN)