By Abdullahi Lukman
Ekiti State has officially joined the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI), a regional compact promoting deforestation-free and sustainable agricultural development across 10 African countries.
The move marks a significant step in aligning environmental protection with rural and agricultural growth in the state.
Announced on Monday, June 23, 2025, the decision supports Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s broader agenda of maximizing grassroots impact through rural development and agricultural transformation.
As part of ASCI, Ekiti aims to leverage opportunities in high-demand commodities like cocoa and oil palm while prioritizing forest conservation and reforestation.
Although Nigeria became a signatory to the Africa Sustainable Commodities Declaration in 2022, implementation occurs at the state level due to the country’s federal structure.
Ekiti now joins Edo State as one of Nigeria’s leading subnational members, committing to ASCI’s principles of integrated land-use planning and sustainable commodity production.
A recent land use and land cover survey—conducted in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and ProForest—will help guide zoning decisions across the state.
The survey identifies degraded lands for agroforestry, environmentally sensitive areas requiring protection, and regions suitable for agricultural expansion based on local community needs.
Historically significant for Nigeria’s cocoa and timber industries, Ekiti has faced extensive deforestation.
However, it still harbors ecologically important areas, including sacred forests and mountaintops, now recognized as Community Protected Forests.
The integration of these biodiverse sites into development planning aims to balance cultural preservation with economic growth.
Ekiti also hosts the country’s only private tree growers’ association, which supports both exotic and indigenous tree species.
Under ASCI, the state plans to coordinate agricultural and forestry efforts into a unified action plan, helping to secure livelihoods while advancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration goals.
ASCI’s facilitator in Ekiti, Dr. Yemi Akinyugha, serves as Technical Advisor to the Governor on Green Economy and Ecological Matters.
Updates on Ekiti’s progress under ASCI will be shared through official forestry and agriculture social media channels.