The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Natural Eco Capital, and Business for Nature have launched a strategic partnership aimed at addressing Nigeria’s escalating deforestation crisis and promoting a nature-positive development agenda.
The partnership was unveiled during the Business Advisory Group Inauguration Workshop held in Abuja, where stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger collaboration across government, civil society, and the private sector.
Deputy Director of Forestry at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Chris Aiwuyo, described the initiative as a crucial step toward aligning national climate and biodiversity ambitions with economic growth.
“Nigeria’s commitment to achieving a nature-positive future is deeply rooted in our national vision for sustainable development,” he said. “Partnerships like this ensure that the private sector, civil society, and government move in the same direction to align investment and innovation with our biodiversity and climate goals.”
Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Joseph Onoja, highlighted the severity of the nation’s forest loss. He revealed that only about four per cent of Nigeria’s original forest cover remains, with an estimated 400,000 hectares lost annually to logging, farming, and urbanisation. Between 2000 and 2020, Nigeria’s tree cover declined by 13 per cent, making it one of Africa’s fastest-deforesting countries.
“This partnership creates a unique platform to engage the private sector as an essential partner in restoring ecosystems, creating green jobs, and safeguarding Nigeria’s natural heritage,” he added.
The CEO of Natural Eco Capital, Eugene Itua, underscored the economic imperative of environmental conservation.
“Nature is one of our most valuable assets, and its protection must be seen as smart economics, not philanthropy,” he said. He explained that the partnership will help businesses understand and manage their environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities, linking biodiversity goals with long-term business strategies.
African Lead for Business for Nature, Oluwasooto Ajayi, noted that many Nigerian businesses are now integrating sustainability practices but often lack alignment with national biodiversity plans.
“This collaboration will help connect private sector leadership with national priorities to protect, restore, and sustainably use nature,” Ajayi said.
Beyond awareness, the initiative aims to build capacity across key industries, enabling companies to factor climate and biodiversity into core operations. The groups believe this approach will support Nigeria’s transition to a more resilient and sustainable economy while advancing Sustainable Development Goals 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
With Nigeria facing severe forest degradation and biodiversity loss, the partnership underscores the urgent need for businesses to incorporate nature into decision-making and actively support restoration efforts.
