The Federal Ministry of Environment of Nigeria has announced the imminent formation of a dedicated taskforce to promote private forest ownership and expand forest cover in the country. This initiative arises from the recognition that Nigeria’s existing forest management model predominantly state‑controlled is insufficient in meeting global and national targets for forest area and biodiversity (e.g., the targeted 25 % forest‑cover benchmark). The taskforce will bring together key stakeholders including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), the Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants Association (FCGICM), and the Wood Exporters Association (WEA), among others. By encouraging private sector participation, the government aims to unlock new revenue streams, enhance stewardship, and foster sustainable land‑use practices that support both economic growth and ecological resilience. In parallel, the taskforce will address pressing challenges such as deforestation driven by charcoal production, unsustainable logging, and land‑use conflict in forested zones. By blending public policy with private investment and stakeholder‑engagement, the plan signals a shift toward a more inclusive, market‑oriented model of forest governance in Nigeria.
Its mandate includes promoting private ownership of forests, generating revenue, and increasing national forest cover. This initiative marks a major policy shift toward engaging the private sector in forestry management. By creating institutional structures for private forest governance and investment, Nigeria aims to improve forest cover, support sustainable timber and non‑timber forest product enterprises, and link forestry with economic growth.
The Federal Ministry of Environment’s initiative to promote private forest ownership and expand forest cover in Nigeria is a timely and welcome development. By engaging the private sector, the government aims to unlock new revenue streams, enhance stewardship, and foster sustainable land-use practices that support both economic growth and ecological resilience. This initiative will not only improve forest cover but also support sustainable timber and non-timber forest product enterprises, creating jobs and income opportunities for local communities. Additionally, it will help address pressing challenges such as deforestation, unsustainable logging, and land-use conflicts in forested zones. The involvement of key stakeholders, including the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, ensures a coordinated approach to forest governance. By blending public policy with private investment and stakeholder engagement, Nigeria is poised to improve its forest cover, support economic growth, and enhance ecological resilience. This initiative has the potential to transform Nigeria’s forestry sector, making it a model for sustainable forest management in Africa. Effective implementation will be key to achieving these benefits and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria’s forests.
Nigeria has numerous private forest reserves, although it’s worth noting that many are government-owned. Some examples of private forest reserves in Nigeria include Afi River Forest Reserve in Cross River State, Akure Forest Reserve in Ondo State, Edumanom Forest Reserve in Bayelsa State, Idanre Forest Reserve in Ondo State, Ise Forest Reserve in Ekiti State, Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve in Taraba State, Oba Hills Forest Reserve in Osun State, Okomu Forest Reserve in Edo State, and Oluwa Forest Reserve in Ondo State.
The implications of Nigeria’s initiative to promote private forest ownership and expand forest cover are multifaceted. It is likely to lead to improved forest cover, enhanced biodiversity, and increased economic benefits for local communities. The involvement of private sector stakeholders will bring in much-needed investment and expertise, enabling the development of sustainable forest management practices and the creation of jobs in rural areas. Additionally, the initiative may help reduce deforestation and land-use conflicts, promoting ecological resilience and supporting climate change mitigation efforts. The government’s shift towards a more inclusive and market-oriented approach to forest governance is also expected to improve the overall policy environment, making it more conducive to sustainable forest management and conservation. Effective implementation will be crucial to achieving these benefits and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria’s forests, which will have a positive impact on the environment and local communities. This approach can serve as a model. In conclusion, Nigeria’s initiative to promote private forest ownership and expand forest cover marks a significant shift towards sustainable forest management and conservation. By engaging the private sector and stakeholders, the government aims to improve forest cover, support economic growth, and enhance ecological resilience. Effective implementation will be crucial to achieving these benefits and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria’s forests.