Why Nigeria must invest in mangroves preservation

Since 1990, 420 million hectares of forest have been lost globally, including 35% of mangroves. In Nigeria, the Niger Delta's mangrove forests have shrunk by over 40% due to oil pollution, urban sprawl, and aquaculture. Mangrove restoration can absorb up to four times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests, protect coasts, and revive fisheries. Nigeria can leverage carbon markets to finance restoration, with premium credits fetching $50–70 each.