The Nigeria Nature Photography Awards (NNPA) has officially launched in Lagos, introducing a new national platform aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s biodiversity through visual storytelling and photography.

Founded by Oluwasooto Ajayi, the initiative seeks to spotlight Nigeria’s wildlife, landscapes and natural heritage while recognising photographers whose work inspires greater appreciation of the environment.

Ajayi said the project was designed to bridge the visibility gap around Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.

“Nigeria is incredibly rich in biodiversity, yet much of it is not widely seen or understood,” he said. “This initiative is about changing that by using photography to deepen appreciation of our natural environment while celebrating the photographers who help tell that story.”

The inaugural edition invites photographers across the country—both emerging and established—to submit images capturing wildlife, landscapes and human–nature interactions. Organisers say the goal is to strengthen public awareness of biodiversity and promote conservation through visual storytelling.

Outstanding entries will be rewarded with cash prizes, while selected works will be showcased in a curated public exhibition later in the year.

The Awards are being implemented in partnership with organisations focused on conservation, media and creative storytelling.

Ninthgrid, an Afrocentric stock image platform, is supporting the initiative by contributing expertise in African visual storytelling and digital content development.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Francis Odeyemi, described the collaboration as an opportunity to elevate African narratives.

“We are excited to collaborate on a project that amplifies African visual storytelling while highlighting the beauty and importance of Nigeria’s natural environment,” he said.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation is serving as conservation partner, providing technical input and guidance to ensure the initiative supports biodiversity awareness and environmental protection efforts.

According to the organisation’s Director of Communications, Policy and Advocacy, Kunle Olawoyin, the Awards come at a critical time for environmental awareness.

“By showcasing Nigeria’s wildlife and ecosystems through photography, the Awards can inspire greater public appreciation for nature and encourage collective action to protect our natural heritage,” he said.

Wild Africa is also supporting the project as media partner, helping to amplify messages on wildlife protection across the continent.

Nigeria Representative for Wild Africa, Festus Iyorah, said the initiative aligns with broader conservation goals.

“This initiative brings that mission to life in a powerful way by engaging photographers and the public in celebrating Nigeria’s natural heritage,” he said.

Organisers say the NNPA is expected to grow into a key platform for conservation advocacy, creative expression and environmental awareness in Nigeria, while strengthening public engagement with the country’s natural ecosystems.