FG Plans Mangrove Restoration Project In N’Delta

As part of measures towards ensuring the protection of mangroves and oceans in the country, the Federal Government is considering a National Mangrove Restoration Project that will deliver environmental and sustainable livelihood benefits for people living in the Niger Delta region.
The Minister of State for Environment, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor, announced this as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2020 International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, yesterday.
Ikeazor, according to a statement by the ministry’s Director of Press, Saghir el-Mohammed, at the weekend, said government was ready to support any programme that would help in promoting healthy mangrove ecosystem in the country.
According to her, “Nigeria has the largest mangrove cover in Africa, and the fourth largest in the world.”
She added that over 60 per cent of these mangroves, equivalent to 6,000 square kilometres is found in the Niger Delta region.
Ikeazor said: “Physically, they serve as buffers between marine and terrestrial communities; protect shorelines from damaging winds, waves and floods; and reduce coastal erosion. Mangrove thickets improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments from the land.