Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) have expressed readiness to deepen collaboration on environmental governance, legislative policy and sustainable conservation in Nigeria.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the NCF delegation, led by its Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, to the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, at the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Onoja described the engagement as an opportunity to leverage NILDS’ legislative research and policy expertise in strengthening the institutional framework for environmental protection. He noted that NCF, established in 1980, has over the years contributed to the development of environmental policies, conservation initiatives and the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources.
He stressed the need for stronger institutionalisation of environmental policies, noting that gaps in forest governance and environmental protection could contribute to challenges such as deforestation, insecurity and the emergence of ungoverned spaces.
Responding, Prof. Sulaiman emphasised the importance of preventive rather than reactive governance, noting that effective policies and proper enforcement could help prevent avoidable loss of lives, environmental degradation and economic costs.
He also highlighted the interconnectedness of environmental issues with public health, urban development and security, stressing the need for evidence based policy interventions to address these challenges.
The NCF delegation further drew attention to the importance of biodiversity conservation, noting that the destruction of natural habitats and loss of wildlife could have wider consequences for public health and environmental sustainability.
The meeting also identified opportunities for both institutions to work on practical initiatives at the intersection of environmental protection, security, health and legislative policy.
Both institutions agreed to constitute teams to identify immediate areas of collaboration and develop practical initiatives that can combine NCF’s conservation expertise with NILDS’ research, legislative and capacity building mandate.
The engagement underscores the commitment of NILDS and NCF to supporting evidence based environmental policies and strengthening sustainable governance in Nigeria.
