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Climate change

Nigeria Launches Landmark Net-Zero Nature-Positive (NZNP) Project to Promote Climate Resilience and Inclusive Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian government has launched a landmark initiative, the Net-Zero Nature-Positive (NZNP) Project, aimed at promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive development. Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Director of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, Halima Bawa-Bwari, emphasized that the project places social equity at its core, empowering women, youth, and indigenous communities while promoting sustainable development. The initiative is part of 12 pioneering countries spearheading the NZNP initiative and is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Key Takeaways:

  • The NZNP Project aims to strengthen institutional coordination, restore degraded ecosystems, protect endangered species, and attract investments that prioritize nature-positive, low-carbon development.
  • Nigeria is home to over 17 National Parks, 1,129 Forest Reserves, as well as Game Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Ramsar Sites, showcasing its ecological wealth.
  • The government is leveraging mapping technologies to monitor deforestation and integrate conservation data into national planning.
  • The project aligns with Nigeria's targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), its Nature Positive Commitment by 2030, and Net-Zero target by 2060.
  • The initiative will promote ecosystem restoration, expand access to clean energy, and de-risk sustainable investments.
  • The project will engage stakeholders strategically to attract real financing and leverage blue carbon expertise to drive tangible impacts on the ground.
  • The NZNP Project represents a significant advancement in aligning Nigeria's environmental initiatives with its international climate obligations.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria has over 17 National Parks.
  • The country has 1,129 Forest Reserves.
  • The government has implemented mapping technologies to monitor deforestation.
  • The NZNP Project is part of 12 pioneering countries spearheading the initiative.
  • The project will engage 11 integrated GEF programmes designed to fast-track nature-positive and net-zero pathways.
  • The initiative will support Nigeria's targets under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), its Nature Positive Commitment by 2030, and Net-Zero target by 2060.

Sources:

  • Voice of Nigeria, "Nigeria launches landmark Net-Zero Nature-Positive (NZNP) Project" (October 2025)
  • Global Environment Facility (GEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

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