Nigeria’s Ogoniland gains international wetland status
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Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, presented a Ramsar Certificate to Chief Lesi Maol, President of the Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme (KAGOTE), officially designating Ogoniland’s wetlands as a Wetland of International Importance.
The presentation occurred during the 10th anniversary celebration of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Rivers State, Nigeria.
Maol then passed the certificate to the chairmen of the four Ogoni local government areas, Tai, Khana, Eleme, and Gokana, to emphasize the shared responsibility for protecting the region’s environment. He noted that Ogoniland possesses the longest coastline and shoreline in Africa, stretching from Opuoko to Akpajo. The Ramsar designation acknowledges the ecological value of Ogoniland’s wetlands and coastal areas, which are crucial for flood control, water purification, carbon storage, and protecting the coastline.
This recognition is especially important because Ogoniland has experienced significant environmental damage from oil exploration over many years and is expected to support ongoing restoration work. Lawal stated this Ramsar certificate was the 18th issued in Nigeria, and highlighted that it uniquely recognized four local government areas within a single, continuous area. The Minister believes the designation will encourage further conservation efforts and attract resources for the long-term, sustainable management of Ogoniland’s ecosystems.
