The Federal Government has formally presented certificates recognising the Ogoni Mangrove Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, placing greater responsibility on government and communities to protect the ecosystem.
The certificates were presented to KAGOTE President, Chief Lesi Mao, for onward transmission to the chairmen of Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme Local Government Areas.
The presentation formed part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, and ongoing efforts to restore the Ogoni environment.
Speaking in Bodo City, Gokana LGA, Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal said the Ramsar designation gives Ogoni’s wetlands international recognition and underscores their ecological importance. The wetland was formally designated in March 2026 and covers more than 31,700 hectares.
Receiving the certificates, Chief Lesi Mao urged the four council authorities to take concrete steps to protect the wetlands from pollution, indiscriminate development, mangrove destruction and other activities that could degrade the ecosystem.
Mao stressed that the Ramsar status should go beyond ceremonial recognition and translate into stronger environmental protection and greater community ownership of Ogoniland’s natural resources.
The Federal Government has also reaffirmed its commitment to completing the remediation and restoration of Ogoniland as HYPREP marks a decade of intervention in the region.
