In 2025, Nigeria stood shoulder to shoulder with the global community to celebrate World Wildlife Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the vital importance of wildlife and the urgent need for effective conservation efforts. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” echoed a call for sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and local communities. The event, held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, was a testament to the nation’s commitment to preserving its rich biodiversity while empowering its people.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Conservation: A Pledge to Protect Nature and Empower Communities
During the World Wildlife Day event, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized the country’s steadfast commitment to sustainable wildlife financing. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Minister underscored the critical role of local communities in wildlife conservation. Local participation, the Minister noted, is essential for the success of conservation initiatives as they are often the closest stewards of the land and its resources.
The Nigerian government’s pledge aims to preserve biodiversity while also improving the livelihoods of local communities, especially those whose way of life depends on the land. However, achieving these goals requires more than just funding; it demands a multi-faceted approach, including strong partnerships between the government, the private sector, and the civil society.
The Role of Policymakers in Shaping the Future of Wildlife in Nigeria
Policymakers play a crucial role in advancing wildlife conservation efforts in Nigeria. As the government sets the legal and financial frameworks for conservation, it must ensure that policies are both effective and inclusive. As the keynote speaker at the World Wildlife Day event, Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), pointed out the need for collaboration between the government, the private sector, and civil society organizations to create a robust financial infrastructure for conservation.
The government’s responsibility extends to providing alternative livelihoods for communities that may be tempted to engage in illegal activities like poaching. This not only safeguards endangered species but also helps uplift the economic prospects of local populations. Strong policy measures are essential for creating economic opportunities that reduce the dependence on activities that threaten wildlife, such as poaching, hunting, and habitat destruction.
The Role of Scientists in Conservation: A Scientific Approach to Preservation
While policymakers lay the foundation for wildlife conservation, scientists—especially laboratory scientists—are at the forefront of research and innovation that drive these efforts. Their role is pivotal in advancing wildlife protection strategies, ensuring that conservation methods are based on sound scientific data and cutting-edge technologies.
Laboratory scientists in particular contribute significantly by studying the health, genetics, and behavior of wildlife species. This scientific knowledge is crucial for identifying threats to biodiversity and developing methods for combating these challenges. For instance, laboratory scientists are instrumental in researching the impacts of diseases on endangered species and developing vaccination programs or treatments to protect these animals. Moreover, they study the genetic diversity of species, which is crucial for breeding programs aimed at revitalizing populations at risk of extinction.
In the face of rapidly changing ecosystems and climate conditions, laboratory scientists also analyze the environmental factors that contribute to species endangerment, offering actionable insights that can inform policy and conservation strategies. By applying advanced scientific techniques, laboratory experts help bridge the gap between theory and practical, on-the-ground solutions.
The Challenges of Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria
Despite the commitment from the Nigerian government and the valuable contributions of scientists, Nigeria faces significant challenges in its efforts to conserve wildlife. One of the primary hurdles is illegal poaching, which remains rampant despite government and community-based initiatives. Poaching threatens not only endangered species but also disrupts the delicate balance of ecosystems that local communities depend on.
Deforestation is another major issue, as large areas of wildlife habitat are destroyed for agriculture, logging, and urban development. This not only displaces wildlife but also reduces the available resources that both humans and animals rely on for survival.
Additionally, funding remains a significant challenge. While the Nigerian government has committed to wildlife financing, the lack of a comprehensive and sustainable financial model has hindered the effective implementation of conservation initiatives. The challenge lies in creating a financial framework that ensures long-term sustainability and encourages investment from both domestic and international sources.
The Way Forward: Strategies for Effective Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria
To overcome these challenges, several strategies must be employed. First and foremost, Nigeria needs to strengthen its law enforcement to combat illegal poaching and deforestation. This requires better training and resources for wildlife rangers and law enforcement agencies, along with stronger penalties for those who break conservation laws.
Secondly, fostering public-private partnerships will be key to securing funding for wildlife conservation. Government policies should incentivize private sector investment in conservation initiatives, ensuring that businesses are not only profitable but also environmentally responsible. Additionally, community-based conservation programs must be expanded to include more local stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that those most affected by conservation policies have a say in how they are implemented.
Finally, more investment in research and the application of modern scientific methods is critical. Laboratory scientists and researchers must be empowered with the resources they need to conduct studies on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and species conservation. Their research can provide valuable data that informs both policy and on-the-ground conservation practices.
Conclusion
The 2025 World Wildlife Day marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward wildlife preservation. While there are clear challenges ahead, the combined efforts of policymakers, scientists, and local communities offer a path toward a sustainable future. By reinforcing the role of science, investing in local communities, and creating robust financial frameworks, Nigeria can help ensure that its rich biodiversity is preserved for generations to come. The success of wildlife conservation in Nigeria lies in collective action, collaboration, and commitment—principles that will guide the nation toward a greener, more sustainable future for both people and planet.
Written by Dr. Babajide Gboyega Alalade (AISLT), Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT), Federal Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology.