NCF Holds 36th Annual General Meeting: Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Conservation and Climate Action in Nigeria
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) convened its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Lekki Conservation Centre, bringing together members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), the National Executive Council (NEC), corporate partners, individual members, and environmental stakeholders to reflect on achievements, address challenges, and chart the course for the years ahead.
A Moment of Reflection and Resolve
In his address given by the NEC Chairman, Hon. Justice (Mrs) R.I.B. Adebiyi, the President of the BOT and Chairman of the AGM, Izoma P.C. Asiodu (CFR, CON), welcomed members and guests to the meeting, expressing gratitude for their continued support and commitment to conservation. He noted that the AGM presented an important opportunity for stocktaking and collective planning for a greener and more sustainable Nigeria.
Highlighting the Foundation’s 2024 activities, Mr. Asiodu underscored significant milestones under NCF’s strategic pillars including Green Recovery Nigeria, Species Conservation, Climate Change Action, and Strategic Partnerships.
184,000 Trees and a Stronger Green Agenda
A key highlight from 2024 was the planting of 184,000 trees across degraded ecosystems as part of the Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) programme, reaffirming NCF’s vision to restore Nigeria’s forest cover to 25% by the year 2047. Projects such as the Maja-Kura borehole initiative in Yobe State showcased NCF’s integrated approach to reforestation and community development.
Protecting Wildlife, Empowering People
The AGM spotlighted NCF’s efforts in species protection, particularly for critically endangered wildlife such as the Cross River gorilla, African elephants, and sea turtles. Notably, NCF supported the development of Nigeria’s first-ever National Elephant Action Plan and expanded its work at Kainji Lake National Park to curb illegal hunting and improve habitat monitoring.
Through targeted livelihood initiatives, the Foundation created over 7,500 green jobs and empowered more than 11,000 individuals primarily women and youth across Nigeria’s frontline communities.
Climate Action at Local and Global Fronts
The Director-General of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, in his address, emphasized the Foundation’s growing role in climate leadership. He cited NCF’s presence at the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, as well as grassroots initiatives like the Ibadan Climate Caravan Walk and the Osun Climate Awareness Walk, which mobilized public awareness and youth engagement.
“Climate solutions must be rooted in local ecosystems and driven by the communities who depend on them,” Dr. Onoja stated.
Renewed Strategic Vision for 2025–2030
The AGM also marked the official unveiling of NCF’s new Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2025–2030, developed to deepen the Foundation’s impact, strengthen partnerships, and position NCF as a leading conservation organisation on the African continent.
Hon. Justice (Mrs) R.I.B Adebiyi, Chairman of the NEC, presented the Council’s report, reaffirming NCF’s resilience amid growing environmental and financial pressures. She called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Financial Accountability and Reappointment of Auditors
The audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, were presented by Messrs Deloitte, NCF’s external auditors. The financial report confirmed the Foundation’s sound fiscal management, and the auditors were subsequently re-appointed for the new financial year.
Key Highlights from the 36th NCF AGM
· 184,000 trees planted in 2024 under the flagship Green Recovery Nigeria programme, reaffirming NCF’s reforestation target of 25% forest cover by 2047.
· Expanded efforts to protect endangered wildlife including elephants, gorillas, leopards, and sea turtles.
· Participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, advocating for nature-based solutions and climate finance.
· Empowerment of 11,000+ individuals and creation of 7,500+ green jobs across project locations.
· Establishment of 42 new Conservation Clubs and revival of 100 more nationwide.
· Release of NCF’s new Strategic Action Plan 2025–2030, designed to scale conservation efforts, improve policy influence, and promote green livelihoods.
A Call to Action
In closing, the AGM reinforced NCF’s commitment to restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, influencing environmental policy, and building a future where both people and nature thrive.
Mr. Asiodu called on members, partners, and citizens alike to join in “motivating every state to put their ecology funds to proper use, expanding NCF’s reach nationwide, and making conservation a truly national movement.”
You can download a copy of the 2024 Impact Report here.
