From 4–7 March 2025, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), alongside key partners, hosted Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), on his first official visit to Nigeria. The four-day engagement brought together government leaders, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to assess Nigeria’s progress toward its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and explore pathways to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 through inclusive climate action and sustainable economic growth.
A major highlight of the visit was the Climate Change Symposium held at the Lekki Conservation Centre on 6 March, jointly hosted by the Lagos State Government, the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), and NCF. The symposium, themed around the intersection of climate change, mangroves, and art, convened policymakers, business leaders, conservation experts, and the media to discuss Nigeria’s climate ambitions, nature-based solutions, clean energy opportunities, and the critical role of partnerships in advancing climate resilience. It also featured keynote addresses, a mangrove documentary, an art exhibition, and high-level panel discussions.
Throughout the visit, speakers emphasized the importance of scaling up investments in ecosystem restoration, climate finance, and green infrastructure to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential while protecting its natural heritage. NCF reaffirmed its commitment to advancing conservation-driven climate solutions through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy, while Mr. Stiell concluded his visit with a breakfast meeting at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), reinforcing the private sector’s role in accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) hosted the 24th Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture on 30 January 2026 under the theme, “To Have and To Hold: Faith and Care of the Environment.” Held in honour of NCF’s founder and Nigeria’s foremost conservation pioneer, Chief S.L. Edu, the annual lecture continued its legacy as a leading platform for environmental thought leadership. The 2026 edition brought together faith leaders, policymakers, conservationists, academics, civil society, and development partners to explore the moral, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing environmental challenges.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, while Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, served as Special Guest of Honour. Discussions emphasized that caring for the environment is not only a policy or scientific responsibility but also a moral obligation rooted in faith, justice, and accountability. The event reinforced the importance of collective action across governments, faith communities, the private sector, and citizens to safeguard the environment for present and future generations.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of NCF PhD Research Grants, sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited, to two outstanding researchers whose work focuses on sea turtle conservation and sustainable forest management. By supporting cutting-edge conservation research while fostering dialogue between faith, science, and policy, the 24th Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture reaffirmed NCF’s commitment to advancing knowledge, inspiring environmental leadership, and promoting sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s natural heritage.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) held its 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Lekki Conservation Centre, bringing together members, partners, government representatives, development agencies, corporate organisations, and conservation stakeholders to review the Foundation’s achievements and set the course for the future. The meeting highlighted NCF’s significant impact in 2025, including the empowerment of 19,900 beneficiaries, the planting of 265,561 indigenous trees, the restoration of 300 hectares of degraded landscapes, engagement with 119 communities, and environmental education reaching 515 schools and over 15,000 students. The AGM also reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation, climate action, pollution management, and community-driven environmental stewardship through strategic partnerships and evidence-based interventions.
A defining milestone of the AGM was the appointment of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, as President of NCF’s Board of Trustees, succeeding Chief Philip Asiodu, CFR, CON, whose more than 25 years of exemplary leadership were celebrated during the meeting. The Foundation also unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategic Direction, built around four priority areas—Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation, Pollution Management, and Institutional Strengthening—to guide the next phase of its conservation journey. Together, the leadership transition and new strategic framework reaffirm NCF’s resolve to strengthen partnerships, scale conservation impact, and protect Nigeria’s natural heritage for generations to come.
- Waste management;
- Beach/Market clean- up;
- School/community gardening and a-forestation programme
- Climate Change Campaigns.
- Flora and fauna drama by students.
- Inter school competition
- Community awareness and sensitisation
- Poetry, etc.
We will be engaging more communities along the Nigerian coastline as a way of protecting other species such as the African Manatee Trichechus senegalensis, as well as whales that sometime beach (Cetacean stranding).
UPCOMING EVENTS
1 | World Elephant Day | August 12 | |
2 | International Vulture Awareness Day | September 6 | |
3 | World Clean Up Day | September 19 | |
4 | World Habitat Day | October 5 | |
5 | International Day of Climate Action | October 24 | |
6 | World Sustainability Day | October 28 | |
7 | Walk for Nature | October 17 | |
8 | Green Ball | November | |
9 | World Wildlife Conservation Day | December 4 | |
10 | World Soil Day | December 5 | |
11 | World Monkey Day | December 14 | |
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