The Federal Government will submit a strong 7th National Report that reflects the country’s achievements and renewed ambition for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, disclosed this on Monday at the validation workshop for the draft 7th National Report and the Access and Benefit-Sharing 1st National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
“Your inputs will be valuable in ensuring that Nigeria submits a strong 7th National Report that reflects both our achievements and our renewed ambition for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
“I look forward to the finalization of a high-quality report that supports effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework,” he said.
The minister, who was represented by Mr. Tijani Ahmed, Deputy Director of Forestry in the ministry, urged that the outcomes of the process go beyond international reporting.
“The findings and recommendations must inform decision-making, guide investment priorities, support resource mobilization, and strengthen accountability for NBSAP implementation at all levels.
“The report should also highlight the contributions of sub-national actors, indigenous peoples and local communities, women and youth, and the private sector in advancing biodiversity goals.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains firmly committed to implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, as articulated in our NBSAP,” Lawal said.
The minister stated that achieving the 2030 biodiversity targets would require strengthened coordination, sustained financing, robust data systems, and effective partnerships across sectors.
In her welcome address, Halima Bawa-Bwari, Director of Forestry, said that the CBD National Report is not merely a statutory requirement; “it is a mirror reflecting our progress, challenges, and aspirations in conserving the rich biological heritage entrusted to us”.
Bawa-Bwari, who was represented by Mr. Ahmed Labaran, Assistant Director of Forestry, said the event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective journey to safeguard biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources.
“This workshop provides us with the opportunity to critically review our draft report, validate its findings, and ensure that it accurately captures the efforts, achievements, and lessons learned across sectors.
“Together, we can ensure that our Seventh National Report stands as a credible document—one that reflects our realities and positions us as a nation committed to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development,” she said.
