Nigeria Otter Network

🌍 We at Nigeria Otter Network Celebrate 32 Years of Otter Conservation with the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF)! 🦦💚

Today, we join the global community in honoring the incredible 32-year journey of otter conservation led by the International Otter Survival Fund. For over three decades, IOSF has championed the protection of otters and freshwater ecosystems, promoting research, advocacy, and awareness across the globe.

At the Nigeria Otter Network, this milestone inspires us to continue our mission of safeguarding otters and their habitats across Nigeria’s riverine communities. Over the years, we have:

✨ Conducted Field Research on Otters and Manatees: Surveying riverine communities in Ondo State, Osun State, and FCT to assess species distribution, ecology, and conservation needs.

✨ Engaged Communities in Conservation: Running outreach programs and education campaigns to foster sustainable freshwater practices.

✨ Shared Knowledge Globally: Through LinkedIn (17,000+ followers), ResearchGate, YouTube (NatureTube), publications, and international conferences.

✨ Collaborated with International Partners: Receiving support and guidance from IOSF, African Otter Network (AON), Ideawild, and other conservation partners.

🙏 We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this journey, mentors, colleagues, communities, and conservation organizations. Your dedication ensures that biodiversity thrives, and freshwater ecosystems are protected for generations to come.

🌱 Otter conservation is more than protecting a single species, it’s about safeguarding entire ecosystems. Today, as we celebrate this remarkable 32-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to ecological stewardship, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation.

🦦💚 Here’s to otters, to conservation, and to many more years of making a positive impact together!

Every day in my work as an & , I find myself at the intersection of progress and people. From wetlands conservation to large-scale energy , infrastructure upgrades, and assessments, my role demands that I balance economic development with equity and environmental stewardship.

A core lesson I carry into every community , baseline survey, or impact dialogue is clear: development is only truly sustainable when it is inclusive. Whether it’s a new transmission line, a renewable energy park, or a conservation initiative, it must consider the realities of all stakeholders especially those who are too often overlooked: , , indigenous groups, with disabilities ( ), and the elderly.

Globally, standards like The World Bank ESS, IFC - International Finance Corporation PS, African Development Bank Group ISS, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Safeguard Policy Statement all echo this: and gender equity are not optional; they are essential for meaningful, just development.

Here in , the EIA Act (Cap E12 LFN 2004) and the National Gender Policy reinforce this commitment, reminding us that development must lift every voice, not silence it.

To deepen my understanding and strengthen how I integrate these principles into my daily work, I recently completed a Course Certificate in
and Inclusion for Development at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi ( ) through Institute of Procurement, social of Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards ( ).

This has sharpened my approach to stakeholder mapping, impact identification, and ensuring that are not just consulted but actively involved in shaping projects that affect their lives and livelihoods.

This certificate is another step forward in my commitment to continuous improvement and due diligence. It’s a reminder that my responsibility goes beyond compliance, it’s about contributing to a world where development projects genuinely leave no one behind.

Special thanks to the The World Bank, JOSTUM, and IPESS for making this capacity-building possible. I look forward to putting this knowledge into practice, today and always.

Thanks to International Otter Survival Fund


UN Environment Programme
IUCN

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We have another speaker to announce for our IOSF World Otter Day Webinar. Next up is Salami Olalekan Michael, who will be presenting his talk titled "Perceptions of Riverine Communities on Otters and Ongoing Conservation Efforts in Nigeria"!

Salami Olalekan Michael is an environmental scientist, wildlife ecologist, and passionate advocate for otter conservation in Nigeria. He holds a First-Class degree in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management and a Masters degree in Wildlife Ecology, where his research centred on Otters and Manatees in Nigeria’s freshwater ecosystems.

As a member of the IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group, Salami has contributed to multiple otter conservation projects, particularly in the riverine communities of Ondo State. His work combines scientific research with grassroots engagement, supporting local communities in protecting wetlands and promoting sustainable freshwater management.

Recognizing the urgent need for otter-focused advocacy in Nigeria, Salami founded the Nigeria Otter Network, a platform dedicated to raising awareness, conducting research, and driving policy discussions around otter and freshwater conservation. Salami’s dedication and impact have earned him international recognition, including grants, equipment, and awards from organizations such as IOSF (International Otter Survival Fund), AON (African Otter Network), and Ideawild, supporting his fieldwork and community-based conservation initiatives. 🦦

You can sign up to watch our webinar via the form on our website! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciyLpYHZnzWbgg1dJhNpCPB6ExiLQloh1u2PvQg0lR0kcjiA/viewform

The Nigeria Otter Network (NON) is pleased to partner with Environmental Conservation Organization and Environmental Conservation Club to promote the sustainable management of coastal resources in Ondo State.

Otters have long, slim bodies and relatively short limbs. Their most striking anatomical features are the powerful webbed feet used to swim, and their seal-like abilities for holding breath underwater. Most have sharp claws on their feet and all except the sea otter have long, muscular tails.