The Federal Government and the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) have admonished Nigerians to strive towards reducing light pollution to conserve migratory birds. A focal person for the conservation desk in the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abdulmalik Ogizi, said the government was concerned about the danger posed by declining bird species. He spoke at an event to mark the World Migratory Bird Day in Lagos, organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Ogizi said migratory birds fly hundreds of thousands of kilometers to find the best ecological conditions and habitats for feeding and breeding. “When conditions at breeding sites become unfavourable, it is time to fly to regions where conditions are better. The phenomenon is accompanied by several anthropogenic, political, and environmental challenges on the migratory bird’s survival and conservation”, he said.
Ogizi said this year’s campaign highlighted the impact of the increasing, but underestimated threat of light pollution on migratory birds. He noted that artificial light was increasing globally by at least two per cent per year with adverse effect on bird species. On his part, the Director-General of NCF, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, charged Nigerians to show interest in bird conservation by eradicating light pollution. He stated further that birds were facing challenges such as loss of habitat, persecution, famine and pollution. He added that this year’s theme, “Light pollution: Dim the light for birds at night”, was a clarion call to action for all to participate in bird conservation.
