TITLE:
Biodiversity Loss and Environmental Change in Nigeria: Drivers, Impacts and Conservation Measures
AUTHORS:
David Olugbenga Taiwo, Fayokemi Sarah Abe, Joseph Aderemi Akinola
KEYWORDS:
Biodiversity Loss, Nigeria, Aquatic Ecosystems, Invasive Species, Conservation
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.17 No.11,
November
4,
2026
ABSTRACT: Biodiversity sustains ecosystems, providing essential services to people, but Nigeria’s environment faces multiple human-induced pressures that threaten critical habitats, species and their livelihoods. This paper presents an integrative review of the key drivers of biodiversity loss in Nigeria, as well as five conservation responses that would enhance the country’s policy framework. Relevant literature was searched on 18-23 October 2026, using combinations of keywords related to biodiversity, habitat, forest, aquatic ecosystem, pollution, invasive species, and conservation. A total of 23 sources were considered, including 16 peer-reviewed articles and 7 reports or policies from official institutions. The main findings include the interactive pressures of forest conversion and fragmentation, petroleum pollution and alien Nypa palms on Nigeria’s mangroves and aquatic ecosystems. Notably, the study’s regional comparisons of forest connectivity contrast sharply with findings specific to Nigeria, and the gas-flaring estimates only represent emissions and economic costs to the country. The paper recommends connected landscapes, ecological restoration, sustainable agricultural practices, stronger regulation and control, and effective monitoring and reporting with clear benchmarks. Nigeria has a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030 that contains general strategies for conserving the country’s natural resources, but its successful implementation requires coordinated action, including disclosing relevant environmental information to the public and engaging communities in conservation efforts.