The continuous neglect of conservation areas by the state and federal government may deny Nigeria valuable funding from international bodies on climate and the environment.
Some legal and environmental experts canvassed the position as a firm, Everal Services Limited and the Edo State Government are locked in a legal dispute over unsettled arbitration award due the firm which Edo State Government has allegedly failed to settle.
A High Court in Benin City had on Wednesday adjourned until October 26, 2026, the enforcement suit filed by Everal Services Limited against the Edo State Government.
The case was adjourned following the absence of counsel representing the Edo State Government.
Lead counsel to Everal Services, Kingsley O. Obamogie, SAN, said the company is seeking enforcement of a 2016 arbitral award over the management of Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park.
He said a sole arbitrator awarded the company ₦36.5 million in damages on November 3, 2016, for breach of its lease agreement.
According to Obamogie, the award also directed the Edo State Government to protect the zoo from encroachment by constructing a perimeter fence.
He alleged that successive state administrations, particularly the immediate past government, failed to implement the directives despite the zoo’s ecological significance.
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Obamogie said both parties pursued an out-of-court settlement for five years but failed to reach an agreement.
He said the unsuccessful negotiations compelled the company to return to court to enforce the binding arbitral award.
Legal and environmental experts warn that failure to protect conservation areas such as Ogba Zoo could undermine Nigeria’s access to international climate financing.
They said funding opportunities from institutions including the Green Climate Fund and the World Bank could be affected by weak environmental protection.
Environmental advocates also argue that continued encroachment breaches Nigeria’s obligations under global biodiversity and climate agreements.
They warned that the Ogba Forest Reserve has shrunk drastically, with less than half a square kilometre reportedly remaining within the zoo amid persistent encroachment.
