Author: Omobolaji Durojaiye

Across Nigeria’s rivers, rainforests, grasslands, and skies, a quiet crisis is emerging, and most people don’t even notice. There are no headlines, no protests. However, what’s happening is serious: our forests are thinning out, rivers are becoming polluted, and many of our animals, such as elephants, manatees, gorillas, and rare birds, are disappearing.

This isn’t just a problem for the animals. It’s a problem for us too.

Nigeria is blessed with a rich and beautiful natural environment. We have amazing creatures that exist nowhere else in the world, like the gentle manatees gliding through the Niger Delta, or the shy Cross River gorillas in the highlands. These animals are special, not just because they’re rare, but because they play a crucial role in maintaining our environment’s health.

Sadly, many of them are in danger. And if we lose them, we lose more than just wildlife; we lose part of who we are, and part of what keeps our land and water safe and alive.

That’s why this article series was created.

In the coming stories, we’ll take you on a journey into Nigeria’s wild places, places most of us never get to see. We’ll introduce you to animals whose lives are connected to ours in surprising ways. You’ll learn about monkeys that help protect mangroves, birds that balance nature, and river creatures that clean our waters, all without ever asking for anything in return.

Each of these animals has its own story. Each one faces threats like deforestation, hunting, pollution, and climate change. But there’s also hope, because more and more Nigerians are stepping up to protect them.

This is a story of courage and care, of local people, students, and young activists choosing to stand up for the natural world. They’re not using violence or anger. They’re using knowledge, love for the land, and the power of speaking out.

We’re not here to scare you or make you feel helpless. We’re here to show you why this matters and how you can be part of the solution because protecting Nigeria’s wildlife also means safeguarding clean water, healthy forests, safe weather, tourism, jobs, culture, and national pride.

So let’s begin this journey together.

Let’s hear the stories of these animals and speak up for them, before it’s too late.

Mangroves are special shrubs or trees found in coastal areas where salt and freshwater meet. These plants are uniquely adapted to survive in harsh environments, such as saltwater, flooding, and erosion. They are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. Mangroves are found in intertidal areas, such as river deltas, estuaries, and shallow lagoons. They can also be found in other open seas, sheltered bays, and fringe islands.

Key Characteristics of Mangroves

1. Salt Tolerance: Mangroves are halophytes, meaning they can grow in salty conditions. 
2. Prop Roots: Their exposed supporting roots help stabilize them in muddy areas.
3. Pneumatophores: Some species have breathing roots that protrude from the mud to absorb air.
4. Buttress Root System: Their strong root systems help them survive in unstable soils.

Where Mangroves Grow

Mangroves are found in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in estuaries, salt marshes, and along muddy or rocky coastlines. They grow in areas with low oxygen, where fine sediments accumulate due to slow-moving waters.

Why Mangroves Matter

Mangroves are incredibly important to both the environment and humans.

• Protect Coastlines: They act as natural barriers against storms, flooding, and erosion.
• Support Marine Life: Mangroves provide shelter and breeding grounds for a diverse array of fish, crabs, birds, and other marine organisms.
• Store Carbon: They absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change.
• Improve Water Quality: Mangrove roots filter pollutants and sediments from the water.
• Provide Resources: They offer food, timber, and livelihoods to local communities.
• Support Other Ecosystems: Mangroves protect nearby coral reefs and seagrass meadows by trapping sediment that could harm these ecosystems.

Mangroves in Nigeria

Nigeria is home to the largest mangrove forest in Africa and the third-largest in the world, located in the Niger Delta region.

Location

The Niger Delta spans nine states, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Cross River.

Common Species

The most common mangroves in Nigeria are:

• Red Mangroves (Rhizophora species)
• Black Mangroves (Avicennia germinans)
• White Mangroves
• Golden Leather Fern

Importance

The mangroves in the Niger Delta are vital for:

• Protecting coastlines and communities from natural disasters.
• Supporting marine and terrestrial life.
• Providing essential resources for millions of people in the region.

Threats to Mangroves

Mangroves in Nigeria face several challenges, including:

• Oil Spills and Pollution: Widespread oil exploration has destroyed large areas of mangroves.
• Deforestation and Urbanization: Human activities and land development reduce mangrove forests.
• Invasive Species: Plants like the Nipa palm outcompete native mangroves.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns pose a threat to mangrove habitats.

Efforts to Protect Mangroves

Several initiatives aim to conserve mangroves in Nigeria and globally:

• Mangrove for Life Project: Launched in 2021 to restore Nigeria’s mangroves.
• UN-REDD Programme: Trains local communities to protect mangroves and cut invasive plants.
• Global Mangrove Alliance: Promotes conservation and regrowth worldwide.
• Community Action: Local groups and conservationists are working to replant and safeguard mangrove forests.

Mangroves are not just trees; they are lifelines for coastal communities and critical ecosystems. Protecting them is essential for biodiversity, climate stability, and the well-being of millions of people. By conserving mangroves, we protect ourselves and the planet.

When people hear the word “carbon,” the first thought that comes to mind is usually “pollution” or “climate change.” However, carbon plays a crucial role within forests.

Let’s delve into the world of forest carbon, discover how it works, and explore whether it’s beneficial or detrimental, as well as how our everyday actions—often without our awareness—impact this delicate balance.

What is Forest Carbon?

Simply put, forest carbon refers to the carbon stored in forests. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, converting it into biomass, comprising trunks, branches, leaves, roots, and even the soil. This process helps reduce the amount of CO₂ in the air, making forests one of nature’s most effective tools in combating climate change.

That’s why forests are often called carbon sinks—they “sink” or absorb carbon, locking it away for years, decades, or even centuries.

Is Forest Carbon a Good Thing?

Absolutely. When forests are healthy and thriving, the carbon stored in them is beneficial. It means the forest is actively capturing CO₂ and storing it safely. This helps to cool the planet, stabilize the climate, and support a wide range of life, from birds to insects to humans.

In fact, since 2000, forests have been removing approximately 2 billion metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere every year. That’s roughly the same as the annual emissions of hundreds of millions of cars.

When Does Carbon Become a Problem?

Carbon in forests becomes a problem not because of the carbon itself, but because of what humans do that releases that stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Here’s how we’re unknowingly turning forests from carbon savers into carbon sources:

• Deforestation and Land Use Change

Cutting down trees for farming, roads, or cities instantly releases the carbon stored in those trees. It’s like smashing a savings bank—years of stored carbon vanish into the air. Tropical deforestation alone accounts for approximately 12–20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

• Forest Degradation

Even without cutting down entire forests, activities such as selective logging, illegal harvesting, or forest fires can damage the ecosystem. This weakens the forest’s ability to store carbon, and in some cases, makes it start emitting more CO₂ than it absorbs.

• Biomass Energy

Burning wood for fuel or turning forests into wood pellets is often marketed as a “green” energy source. However, in reality, this process releases large amounts of carbon and typically involves clearing natural forests to meet energy demands, especially in countries such as Indonesia and parts of Africa.

Climate Change Makes It Worse

To make things worse, the CO₂ we’ve already pumped into the atmosphere is changing the climate, and forests are feeling the heat.

• More Wildfires: Hotter, drier conditions are increasing the number and intensity of forest fires. These fires release massive amounts of carbon and destroy trees that would otherwise help absorb it.
• Rainfall Changes: Unpredictable rain patterns stress trees, slow down growth, and reduce carbon absorption.
• Soil Degradation: Warming temperatures and shifting weather patterns also damage the forest floor. Since soil stores a tremendous amount of carbon, this is a big problem.

These effects create a dangerous feedback loop: climate change harms forests, and damaged forests make climate change worse by releasing even more CO₂.

What Can We Do About It?

We can still fix this. There are proven solutions that protect forests and the climate at the same time:

• Protect Existing Forests: It’s cheaper and more effective to keep forests intact than to regrow them later.
• Restore Degraded Land: Planting trees and improving soil can help damaged forests recover their ability to store carbon.
• Use Land Wisely: Practices like agroforestry (growing trees alongside crops) can balance food production with environmental protection.
• Support Clean Energy: Transitioning away from fossil fuels and unsustainable biomass to solar, wind, and hydro reduces pressure on forests.
• Engage Local Communities: Forest conservation is most effective when local people are involved and benefit from protecting their environment.

So, is carbon in the forest good or bad? The answer is: It depends on what we do.

When forests are protected and healthy, they are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. However, when forests are destroyed or degraded, often through everyday activities such as farming, construction, or burning wood, they can become part of the problem.

Understanding the role of forest carbon helps us appreciate just how vital our trees are, not just for their shade or beauty, but for the future of our planet.

Nigeria’s richly biodiverse forests are under increasing threat from a range of illegal activities, including logging, poaching, and agricultural encroachment. These activities not only decimate valuable ecosystems and contribute to climate change but also pose significant national security challenges. 

The Nigerian Forest Service (NFSS), formerly known as the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Service (NHFSS), plays a vital role as a frontline agency in combating these multifaceted threats. Its personnel are often tasked with patrolling vast and challenging terrains, intercepting illegal operators, and enforcing forestry laws to protect Nigeria’s natural heritage and safeguard its national interests. The effectiveness of the NFSS is crucial for the sustainable management of Nigeria’s forests and the preservation of its biodiversity for future generations.

From Traditional Hunters to Modern Conservation Force

Officially renamed in late 2024, the NFSS transformed both title and purpose. The shift, announced by Commander-General Dr. Wole Joshua Osatimehin, aligns with a pending bill in the National Assembly to integrate traditional hunter groups into a unified forest security architecture.

This is more than a name change; it’s a blueprint for safeguarding Nigeria’s forests, wildlife, and natural resources. It’s about giving teeth to conservation efforts in regions where rangers alone can’t reach and where crimes against nature often go unchecked.

In an earlier article, we discussed the Ecological Significance of Trees and how trees are the lifeblood of ecosystems. We also wrote about Economic Trees and their role in livelihoods. What we’re seeing with the NFSS is the emergence of a structured, strategic initiative that could protect these very assets—our trees, biodiversity, and forest communities—from being lost to greed and violence.

Conservation and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Dr. John Metchie, Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence) of the NFSS, emphasized this connection recently during the training of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Provost personnel in Abuja. He described forest guards as “the missing link” in Nigeria’s security framework, underscoring the unique role NFSS can play in bridging the gap between conventional security agencies and the rugged terrains of our forest landscapes.

“The forest guards possess credible and actionable intelligence that could help tackle insecurity in the forested regions,” he said. And when we talk about insecurity, we’re not just talking about kidnappers and bandits. We’re talking about illegal loggers decimating forests that took centuries to grow. We’re talking about poachers who eliminate rare species for black market profits. All of it is connected.

It’s a conservation issue. It’s a climate issue. And yes, it’s a human safety issue too.

Collaboration is Key

Support for the NFSS has been growing. Agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have thrown their weight behind the service, acknowledging that no single agency can secure Nigeria’s forests alone.

CP Ajao Adewale of the NPF highlighted the strategic value of intelligence sharing and collaboration. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) emphasized the importance of cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes, often linked to forest routes. And NSCDC’s Commandant Olusola Odumosun commended NFSS’s “doggedness and commitment” to national security.

In other words, Nigeria’s security architecture is slowly recognizing that true protection starts with those who know the land.

A Hopeful Future for Nigeria’s Forests

Commander-General Osatimehin’s vision for NFSS includes highly trained operatives working in sync with the military, police, and DSS. His recent initiative to train forest officers in intelligence and surveillance marks a turning point—one where we can truly begin to see forests not as lawless no-man’s-lands but as vital, monitored habitats deserving of protection.

If fully empowered, the NFSS could become a conservation game-changer—not only reducing insecurity but also preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s forests, its flora, and fauna. Imagine a network of trained forest guardians working side by side with communities, protecting ancient trees and rare species we wrote about—trees with deep ecological and economic value.

It’s time we saw forest protection not just as a green issue, but as a national one. And the Nigerian Forest Security Service may be the boots on the ground we’ve been waiting for.

When was the last time you saw a butterfly out in the open, fluttering around flowers, or resting quietly in the sun? What about a bee, buzzing from petal to petal? If your answer is “not recently,” you’re not alone. Across the world, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are disappearing, and that’s a much bigger problem than many realize.

Why Pollinators Matter More Than We Think

Bees and butterflies do more than just add beauty to gardens and wild spaces. They are essential workers in nature, helping plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. This simple act of pollination supports over 75% of the world’s food crops.

Without pollinators, plants can’t produce seeds or fruit. And if the plants struggle, so does the food chain.

Bees and Butterflies: Different Roles, Same Importance

• Bees

Bees are among the most efficient pollinators. Their work supports a wide range of crops, including apples, cucumbers, almonds, and melons. They also help maintain wild plant populations and contribute to soil health through their foraging habits (as they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they spread seeds and promote plant growth).

• Butterflies

Butterflies aren’t as fast or focused as bees, but they still play a role in pollination. More importantly, their larvae (caterpillars) are a key food source for birds and other animals. Butterflies are also considered “indicator species” because their presence signals a healthy environment.

What’s Causing the Decline?

Pollinators are in trouble, and the reasons are many:

• Habitat Loss: As forests, fields, and wild spaces are cleared for farms, cities, and roads, pollinators lose the places they depend on to feed and nest.
• Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill pests can also harm pollinators. Certain pesticides can damage bees’ brains, weaken their immune systems, and stop them from finding their way back to the hive.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing seasons confuse pollinators. Flowers may bloom earlier or later than usual, missing the moment when bees and butterflies are ready to feed.
• Diseases and Invasive Species: New pests and illnesses spread quickly, especially when natural habitats are weakened. This puts even more pressure on pollinators, who are already struggling to survive.

Why It Matters for Us

• Food Security: No pollinators, no pollination. That means lower crop yields, fewer fruits and vegetables, and higher prices in markets.
• Biodiversity: Pollinators help a vast variety of plants reproduce. When they disappear, plant species also start to vanish. This affects the entire web of life, from insects to birds to mammals.
• Economy: Pollination services are worth billions of dollars each year. Farmers rely on bees and butterflies, not only for high yields but also for quality produce. Without them, food becomes more difficult and expensive to grow.

What Can We Do?

You don’t need to be a scientist to help. Here’s how everyone can make a difference:

• Protect Green Spaces: Support the Conservation of Wild Areas. Even planting native flowers in your garden or community can make a significant difference.
• Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Use natural pest control methods and encourage others to do the same.
• Support Pollinator-Friendly Farming: Buy from farms that protect pollinators through sustainable practices.
• Act on Climate: Every step we take to reduce emissions helps protect the natural balance that pollinators rely on.

The decline of pollinators is a quiet crisis. It’s easy to miss, but its impact will be loud and lasting if we don’t act. The good news is that solutions exist, and many of them start with simple choices in our homes, gardens, and communities.

Do you have a backyard, balcony, or even a small open space in your compound? You can use it to help the planet. Climate change may seem like a distant, big problem, but the truth is that every small action counts. One of those actions is gardening.

Creating a climate-friendly garden helps reduce carbon pollution and supports wildlife. Additionally, it can provide you with fresh food, clean air, and a peaceful space to unwind.

Here’s how to start a backyard garden that fights climate change – no matter where you live.

Plant Native and Drought-Tolerant Species

Start by choosing native plants – the ones that naturally grow in your area. In Nigeria, these might include species such as aloe vera, moringa, bitter leaf (ewuro), or scent leaf (nchuanwu). If you live elsewhere, look up the native plants in your area.

Why native plants?

• They don’t need much water or care.
• They attract local birds, butterflies, and bees.
• They are better at handling local weather, even drought.

Planting trees is especially powerful. Trees pull carbon dioxide (a main cause of climate change) from the air and store it. They also cool your surroundings and provide shade, which can reduce the need for fans and air conditioners.

Use Compost – Don’t Waste Your Food

Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, turn them into compost. This includes things like:

• Fruit peels
• Vegetable leftovers
• Eggshells
• Yard leaves or cut grass

Composting reduces waste that would otherwise decompose in landfills and release methane, a gas more harmful than carbon dioxide. Additionally, compost provides essential nutrients to your soil, enabling plants to grow strong without the need for chemical fertilizers.

 Avoid Harmful Chemicals

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides harm the soil, kill useful insects, and pollute water. Instead, use natural alternatives like:

• Compost or animal manure
• Neem oil spray for pests
• Interplanting (for example, planting basil near tomatoes to keep pests away)

Let nature work with you, not against you.

Grow Your Food

Growing your fruits, vegetables, and herbs reduces the need to buy food transported from faraway places, which means fewer trucks on the road and lower carbon emissions.

Start small. Try:

• Fluted pumpkin (“ugu” (in the Igbo language), “Eweroko” (in the Yoruba language))
• Tomatoes
• Pepper
• Moringa
• Scent leaf

Not only are they easy to grow, but you’ll also enjoy fresh, healthy meals from your garden.

Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly

Create a mini home for birds, bees, and butterflies. These creatures help pollinate plants and keep your garden alive.

• Add a small water bowl for birds.
• Leave some wildflowers or grasses.
• Avoid spraying chemicals that harm insects.

You don’t need a big budget or ample space to start a climate-friendly garden. What matters is your intention and your action. By planting the right plants, composting, and reducing waste, your backyard can become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.