Nigeria

Nigeria's biodiversity significance stems from its position across multiple ecological zones, from the Guinea-Congo rainforests in the south to Sudan savanna in the north. The country encompasses portions of the Guinean Forests of West Africa biodiversity hotspot, harboring endemic species in the Cross River region and Niger Delta wetlands. The limited IUCN Red List 2025 assessment data shows all 7 evaluated species as threatened, with insects comprising 5 of these species and plants representing the full complement of 7 assessed species, indicating severe conservation concerns for documented taxa.

Nigeria faces acute threats from rapid deforestation driven by agricultural expansion, particularly oil palm plantations in southern forests. The Niger Delta experiences severe petroleum pollution affecting wetland ecosystems, while northern regions face desertification pressure from the expanding Sahel. Urban sprawl around Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt fragments remaining natural habitats.

Illegal logging in Cross River National Park and surrounding forests threatens endemic species populations.

Current conservation frameworks include the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, with Cross River National Park protecting critical rainforest habitat. The Great Green Wall initiative addresses northern desertification, while community-based conservation programs operate in the Niger Delta. However, enforcement capacity remains limited, and habitat loss rates continue to exceed protection efforts, suggesting an overall deteriorating trajectory for Nigerian biodiversity.