Topic:
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Kamryn Khan
Kamryn Khan
IUCN
Nigeria
Regulation of Invasive Species
2/12/2025
As one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa, Nigeria recognizes the urgent need to preserve our native ecosystems and address the threats posed by invasive species. These species can harm biodiversity, agriculture, and human health, highlighting the need for effective regulatory frameworks. This position paper outlines Nigeria’s stance on the regulation of invasive species, their types, associated problems, and current efforts to address these challenges.
Nigeria advocates for stringent regulatory measures to control the introduction and spread of invasive species. Comprehensive policies should be implemented to assess risks, manage existing populations, and prevent future invasions.
The types of invasive species affecting Nigeria include:
1. Aquatic Invasive Species:
– Water Hyacinth(Eichhornia crassipes): Forms dense mats on water surfaces, blocking sunlight and choking out native plants.
– Nile Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus): Competes with local fish for food and space, disrupting local ecosystems.
2. Terrestrial Invasive Species:
– Lantana Camara: Aggressively dominates landscapes, choking out native flora and altering habitats.
– Giant Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum): Suppresses native plant growth, reducing biodiversity and affecting soil chemistry.
3. Invasive Insects:
– Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda): Affects key crops like maize and rice, leading to significant agricultural losses and threatening food security.
Negative impacts of invasive species include:
– Biodiversity Loss: Threatens local ecosystems and outcompetes native species, potentially leading to declines or extinctions.
– Agricultural Damage: Reduces crop yields and quality, increasing costs for farmers and jeopardizing food security.
– Economic Burden: Significant costs for control measures and diminished productivity in agriculture and fisheries, threatening local economies.
Historically, Nigeria has managed invasive species through:
– Legislative Frameworks: The National Environmental (Biodiversity Conservation) Regulation includes provisions for invasive species management.
– Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate communities on the risks of invasive species.
Current efforts include:
– Research Initiatives: Collaborating with universities and NGOs to study invasive species impacts and effective management strategies.
– Monitoring Programs: Tracking the distribution of invasive species to evaluate management effectiveness.
To strengthen regulation, Nigeria proposes:
1. Development of a National Invasive Species Strategy: A plan focused on research, monitoring, and community involvement.
2. Enhanced Legal Frameworks: Specific regulations to manage and control invasive species, empowering authorities for enforcement.
3. Capacity Building and Training: Training local authorities to improve their skills in monitoring and managing invasive species.
Nigeria aims to collaborate with the United Nations on:
– Global Conferences: Sharing strategies for invasive species management.
– Aligning with UN SDGs: Working towards SDG 15 to combat land degradation and biodiversity loss.
– Collaborative Research Projects: Engaging in partnerships for knowledge sharing and research related to invasive species.
Nigeria is committed to addressing the challenges posed by invasive species through comprehensive regulation and collaborative efforts. By implementing targeted strategies and strengthening legal frameworks, we will protect our biodiversity and ensure sustainable development. We urge the IUCN and member states to support the regulation of invasive species as a vital component of global biodiversity conservation efforts.
References
– National Biodiversity Policy of Nigeria
– National Environmental (Biodiversity Conservation) Regulation
– Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Works Cited
https://conbio.org/groups/sections/africa/act/management-of-invasive-species-in-nigeria
https://www.nesrea.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Control_of_Alien_and_Invasive_Species.pdf
file:///C:/Users/27kha/Downloads/ajol-file-journals_719_articles_275136_66a77fd1a94ca.pdf
