The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, land degradation, flooding, erosion and oil pollution through stronger collaboration with international organisations and development partners.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stated this during the commissioning of projects implemented under the FAO/GEF-7 Biodiversity Project at Okomu National Park, Udo, in Edo State.

Lawal said the project—Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable Use of Lowland Forest Mosaic Landscape—covers parts of Delta, Edo, Ogun and Ondo States and is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and executed by the National Park Service.

He explained that the initiative focuses on integrated landscape management, ecosystem restoration, sustainable value chains and knowledge sharing to strengthen biodiversity conservation across the country.

“Nigeria will continue to engage with GEF, FAO, UNDP, UNEP, UNIDO and other partners to mobilise resources and technical support for sustainable environmental management,” he said.

As part of the project, the minister commissioned a three-room ranger barracks and a renovated focal office at Okomu National Park, alongside similar facilities at the Omo Forest Reserve in Ogun State.

He also called on Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting the nation’s ecosystems, stressing that environmental conservation is a collective duty.

The minister commended community leaders, including the Iyase N’Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, for efforts to preserve the natural environment in Udo.

FAO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Hussein Gadain, said the projects reflect a shared commitment to biodiversity protection, improved conservation management, ecological monitoring and sustainable development for host communities.

Representing Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, disclosed that the state had planted 6,000 tree seedlings as part of climate change mitigation efforts.

Earlier, Conservator of Okomu National Park, Lawrence Osaze, said the interventions would strengthen protected area management, enhance community participation in conservation and reduce pressure on forest resources.