The Biodiversity Preservation Center (BPC) has urged the Federal Government to establish legally recognized marine protected areas and enhance efforts to protect Nigeria's oceans from escalating environmental threats. The conservation group made this appeal on Sunday in a statement marking World Oceans Day 2026, warning that habitat destruction, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation are placing immense pressure on the country's marine ecosystems and the millions of Nigerians who rely on them for livelihoods and food security.
Call for Stronger Policies
In a statement signed by BPC Executive Director Prof. Edem Eniang and Director of Marine Conservation Dr. Justina Obienu, they emphasized that protecting Nigeria's oceans is both an environmental necessity and a moral obligation. Speaking under this year's theme, "Awaken New Depths," BPC stressed that Nigeria must deepen its commitment to marine conservation through stronger policies, community participation, international collaboration, and youth engagement.
Conservation Efforts Since 2009
The organization noted that since 2009, it has led marine biodiversity conservation efforts across Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states, focusing on protecting endangered species such as sea turtles, Atlantic humpback dolphins, and African manatees. BPC urged the government to create marine protected areas to preserve critical habitats and improve the survival chances of threatened marine species.
Empowering Coastal Communities
The group also called for greater empowerment of coastal communities through education, access to resources, and sustainable livelihood alternatives aimed at reducing human pressure on fragile marine ecosystems. It stressed the need for Nigeria to strengthen partnerships with international conservation organizations in line with global best practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Youth Leadership in Ocean Conservation
BPC further challenged young Nigerians, including members of its Dolphin Guardians and Conservation for Non-Conservation Students (CNCS) programs, to take up leadership roles in ocean conservation and advocacy. The organization expressed optimism that with stronger collaboration and sustained action, endangered marine species would continue to thrive in Nigeria's waters while future generations benefit from healthier and more productive ocean ecosystems.
"By awakening new depths of courage and collaboration, we can ensure that sea turtles continue to nest on our shores, dolphins continue to dance in our waters, and manatees continue to glide through our rivers," the statement said. "Together, we can secure a legacy of abundance for generations to come."
