LAGOS — The Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, has called for urgent national support for plastic waste recycling in Nigeria’s coastal communities to protect endangered sea turtles from extinction and create economic opportunities for local residents.
Dr. Goni made the call on Wednesday at an awareness programme themed “Sea Turtle Awakening” organised by the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.
The Conservator-General warned that sea turtles face increasing threats from plastic pollution, habitat loss, hunting, and illegal trade, stressing that recycling initiatives would not only clean up marine ecosystems but also generate wealth for coastal populations.
“Plastic pollution has become a major threat to marine life in Nigeria. Supporting plastic waste recycling in our coastal areas will save sea turtles while creating jobs and strengthening local economies,” he said.
He praised the organisers’ decision to involve students in the advocacy campaign, describing them as “critical stakeholders” in long-term environmental sustainability.
“I am impressed by the creativity of the students who showcased how sea turtles contribute to the ecosystem. Their passion gives hope for the future of conservation in Nigeria,” he added.
Dr. Goni also used the occasion to educate participants on the difference between national parks and forest or game reserves.
He explained that while national parks are managed by the Federal Government, forest and game reserves fall under state jurisdiction. He noted that Nigeria currently has national parks in five geopolitical zones, with only the South East yet to host one.
He encouraged state governors to initiate the process of upgrading forest reserves into national parks to boost conservation efforts and eco-tourism, saying such action would align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“National parks support national security, food security, and economic diversification. Conservation is not just an environmental priority; it is tied to sustainable development,” he said.
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Earlier, the Director of Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, Mr. Chinedu Mogbo, thanked guests for supporting the campaign despite their busy schedules. He said the programme aimed to empower young Nigerians to become environmental ambassadors.
The event featured lectures, exhibitions, student debates, and drama presentations centred on sea turtle protection. Other speakers included the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, and Professor Kehinde Kemabonta.
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