Abuja, June 17, 2026 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to work closely with development partners, local communities and other stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s mangrove forests while promoting sustainable economic opportunities linked to the blue economy.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, made the commitment during a workshop held in Abuja to review the outcomes and formally conclude a climate resilience and mangrove conservation initiative implemented in Cross River State.
The workshop, titled “Sustaining Integrated Mangrove Ecosystem Management in Nigeria: From Achievements to Future Pathways,” provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the programme and discuss strategies for maintaining its gains.
The project focused on strengthening mangrove ecosystem management and improving social protection measures for fishing and forest-dependent communities in coastal areas of Cross River State.
Lawal commended the support received from international partners, noting that the initiative contributed significantly to biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation efforts and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
According to him, attention must now shift toward preserving the progress already achieved through expanded restoration programmes, stronger community participation and the development of climate-resilient income-generating activities.
He added that opportunities within the blue economy and carbon markets should be explored to support long-term environmental sustainability and economic growth.
The minister further stated that the government would continue implementing key environmental commitments, including its Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plan and obligations under international climate and wetland conservation agreements.
Speaking at the event, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Peter Odey, praised the programme for its positive impact on communities and various sectors of the state’s economy.
He expressed concern over increasing environmental degradation, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and the growing effects of climate change, all of which continue to threaten fragile ecosystems.
Odey noted that the initiative demonstrated that environmental protection and socio-economic development can be pursued simultaneously when stakeholders work together.
He said the programme supported mangrove restoration, strengthened community institutions, promoted alternative livelihood options and provided assistance to households that depend on forests and biodiversity resources.
According to him, the achievements recorded under the project provide a solid foundation for future interventions, while the state government remains committed to sustaining and building on the progress made.
Also speaking, the FAO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr Hussein Gadain, described the project as evidence of what can be achieved through collaboration among governments, communities and development partners.
He explained that the initiative helped establish 50 cooperatives, strengthening local institutions and supporting national priorities related to climate action, environmental sustainability and social protection.
The programme, which commenced in 2023 and concluded on June 16, reached 4,827 beneficiaries across coastal communities, with women accounting for approximately 66 per cent of participants.
Beneficiaries received training in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable forestry practices and fisheries management to enhance resilience and improve livelihoods.
Implemented in partnership with the Cross River State Government and international development partners, the project covered 50 coastal communities across Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South and Odukpani local government areas, leaving behind a framework expected to support continued environmental conservation and community development.