Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has urged governments to enforce stronger environmental laws to protect Nigeria’s mangrove forests and reduce flooding across coastal communities.
The group made the call on Monday in Lagos to mark World Mangrove Day.
Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, signed the statement made public.
SRADeV said tougher enforcement would help reduce flooding and protect millions of Nigerians who depend on coastal resources for their livelihoods.
The organisation said Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest mangrove ecosystems. It covers about 504,800 hectares in the Niger Delta and 95,000 hectares in Cross River State.
SRADeV said Nigeria’s mangroves rank as the third largest in the world. It noted that the forests protect shorelines, store carbon, conserve wildlife and support fisheries, tourism and local economies.
However, the organisation said flooding now hits many coastal communities more often. It said the floods destroy homes, disrupt livelihoods and put more pressure on public infrastructure.
Similarly, SRADeV blamed the worsening situation on the steady destruction of mangrove forests. It said rapid urbanisation, industrial activities, sand dredging and land reclamation continue to damage key mangrove habitats, especially in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The group said pollution, fuelwood harvesting, invasive nipa palms and weak enforcement of environmental laws have also increased mangrove loss across the Niger Delta.
In his response, Adogame described mangrove destruction as one of the biggest environmental threats facing Nigeria’s coastal communities.
He said repeated flooding now directly reflects the continued loss of mangrove ecosystems.
He urged authorities to enforce laws protecting wetlands and coastal ecosystems. He also called for stronger action against activities threatening these natural barriers.
Programmes Manager of SRADeV Nigeria, Mr Victor Fabunmi, said better enforcement and coordinated monitoring could reverse the current trend.
He urged the government to designate Lagos wetlands under the Ramsar Convention to strengthen legal protection.
SRADeV called for technology-driven monitoring systems and stricter approval processes for dredging and land reclamation.
It also urged stronger collaboration among government agencies and tougher sanctions for environmental offenders.
The organisation asked the Federal Government to finalise and implement the National Wetland Policy, which has remained in draft form since 2001. It said the policy should include clear targets and stronger enforcement.
SRADeV urged governments, businesses and communities to protect mangrove forests.
It said healthy mangroves remain vital for flood resilience, food security, economic stability and sustainable coastal development.
External links
SRADeV Nigeria
UNESCO – World Mangrove Day
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
