Environment

Environment and Biodiversity

Overpopulation and rapid urbanization are primary concerns, leading to environmental degradation.
Key challenges include urban air and water pollution, rapid deforestation, soil erosion, loss of arable land, and severe oil pollution affecting water, air, and soil.

Nigeria is a signatory to major agreements - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and others concerning nuclear tests, desertification, endangered species, hazardous wastes, and marine life conservation.
Yet to ratify - Tropical Timber 2006 Agreement.

Climate - Equatorial in the south, tropical in the center, arid in the north.
Agricultural land covers 78% (2018 est.), with 37.3% arable land and significant permanent crops and pasture areas.
Forests constitute 9.5%, and other land uses cover 12.5%.

Persistent conflicts, floods, high food prices, and economic slowdown contribute to widespread food insecurity.
Approximately 25.3 million people face acute food insecurity in the 2023 lean season, exacerbated by security issues in northern states and displacement of around 3.17 million people.

Forest resource revenue - 1.02% of GDP (2018).
Coal revenue is negligible.
Air pollutants include particulate matter emissions and significant carbon dioxide and methane emissions.

Annual municipal solid waste - over 27 million tons (2009 est.).
Major water bodies - Lake Chad and the Niger River.
Main watersheds - Atlantic Ocean drainage through the Niger River and internal drainage in the Lake Chad Basin.
Key aquifers - Lake Chad Basin and Lullemeden-Irhazer Aquifer System.
Water withdrawal - Predominantly for municipal, industrial, and agricultural purposes.
Total renewable water resources - 286.2 billion cubic meters (2020 est.). Nigeria's environmental scenario is complex, marked by challenges that intertwine with its socio-economic and demographic aspects. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable development and ecological balance.