News
Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has taken a decisive step to reinforce its environmental commitments with the validation of its Seventh National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity at a high-level workshop in Abuja on Monday.
The validation workshop, brought together government officials, environmental experts, civil society actors, researchers, development partners and community representatives to review and endorse the country’s latest biodiversity performance assessment.
Describing the exercise as a defining moment for Nigeria’s environmental governance, the Director of Forestry, Hajiya Halima Bawa-Bwari, said the national report goes far beyond a routine international obligation.
According to her, the document serves as a critical reflection of Nigeria’s achievements, gaps and future priorities in conserving its vast biological wealth.
“The National Report is not just a statutory submission. It is a mirror of our collective journey — our progress, our challenges and our aspirations in protecting the natural heritage entrusted to us,” she stated.
Bawa-Bwari emphasized that biodiversity underpins food security, climate resilience, economic livelihoods and cultural identity across the country. She warned that accelerating ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and climate pressures demand coordinated and urgent action.
Bawa- Bwari represented by Ahmed Labaran, Assistant Director, Forestry commended the contributions of ministries, research institutions, civil society organisations, local communities and development partners in shaping the draft report, noting that biodiversity conservation requires sustained collaboration, innovation and inclusivity.
Participants were urged to ensure that the final document aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets ambitious targets for halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
“Our deliberations must strengthen national resolve, integrate biodiversity into development planning, and mobilize the financial and technical resources required for implementation,” she said, calling for integrity and professionalism in validating the report.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, in his remarks, described the Seventh National Report as coming at a pivotal time for global and domestic biodiversity action. He stressed that Nigeria’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) remains the country’s principal roadmap for translating global environmental commitments into measurable national outcomes.
The Minister, who was represented by Tijani Ahmed, Deputy Director Forestry, said the validation process must guarantee that the report is evidence-based, comprehensive and reflective of realities on the ground.
“The report must not end as an international filing exercise,” the Minister stated. “Its findings should inform policy coordination ent decisions, guide resource mobilization and strengthen accountability in implementing the NBSAP.”
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination, sustainable financing mechanisms, improved environmental data systems and the meaningful participation of sub-national governments, indigenous communities, women, youth and the private sector.
Stakeholders at the workshop expressed optimism that the finalized report will not only highlight Nigeria’s progress but also chart a renewed and ambitious path toward achieving the 2030 biodiversity targets.
With the validation concluded, Nigeria signals its intent to remain actively engaged in global biodiversity governance while strengthening domestic efforts to safeguard ecosystems critical to national development and future generations.
Nigeria Validates 7th Biodiversity Report, Signals Renewed Push Toward 2030 Global Targets
Military
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
By Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.
The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).
Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.
He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.
According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.
He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.
Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.
He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.
The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.
He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.
The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.
The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.
The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.
Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.
The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.
According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.
The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors
Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos
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