RismadarVoice Reporters
September 4, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally presented certificates recognising the Ogoni Mangrove Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance to the KAGOTE leadership for onward presentation to the four local government areas in Ogoniland.
Rismadarvoice reporter gathered that the presentation was part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and the government’s ongoing efforts to restore the environment in Ogoniland.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the Ramsar designation gives the Ogoni wetlands international recognition and highlights their ecological significance.
Lawal disclosed that the wetlands were officially listed on the Ramsar List in March 2026, covering key wetland ecosystems across Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Receiving the certificates on behalf of the four local governments, President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Mao, urged the councils to take ownership of the international recognition and intensify efforts to protect the wetlands.
Mao called on the four council chairmen to safeguard the ecosystems against pollution, indiscriminate development and other human activities capable of degrading the environment.
The Ramsar designation is considered a significant milestone in the environmental restoration of Ogoniland, particularly as HYPREP continues with its remediation and mangrove restoration programmes.
The Federal Government said the international recognition also comes with greater responsibility for government authorities and local communities to protect the wetlands and preserve them for future generations.
The Environment Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to completing the remediation and restoration of Ogoniland.
