International Law and Biodiversity Governance: Analysing Nigeria’s Obligations Under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

This study analyses Nigeria's obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted at the CBD COP 15 in 2022, assessing the alignment of Nigeria's biodiversity governance with the GBF's 30x30 protection target and other headline goals. Nigeria harbours one of the highest levels of biodiversity in Africa, particularly in the South South and South East geopolitical zones, yet deforestation, habitat loss, and unsustainable resource extraction continue to threaten this natural capital. Using an analytical legal and policy methodology, the research examines the GBF's legal character as a non-binding but normatively significant instrument, its relationship with the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Nigeria's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in light of GBF commitments. It assesses the institutional capacity of the National Biodiversity Committee and the relevant ministries in implementing GBF targets, comparing Nigeria's progress with comparable African states including Kenya and South Africa. The study fills a gap in the literature by providing the first systematic analysis of Nigeria's GBF obligations post-COP 15, updating pre-Kunming assessments of Nigeria's CBD compliance. Findings indicate that Nigeria's NBSAP requires significant revision to align with GBF targets and that current protected area designation falls substantially below the 30x30 commitment. An original GBF compliance roadmap for Nigeria is developed. Recommendations include expedited NBSAP revision, increased protected area designations in biodiversity-rich southern zones, and engagement in the GBF's resource mobilisation mechanism. Keywords: biodiversity, Kunming-Montreal, CBD, Nigeria, conservation.