By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government has been urged to act decisively to curb the increasing exploitation of Nigeria’s forest resources by foreign entities, as stakeholders warn of the worsening dangers of deforestation and illegal logging across the country.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja, where the National Association of Charcoal Producers Dealers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) raised serious concerns about the situation.
Speaking at the meeting, the National President of NACPDEAN, Babatunde Edu, stated that the rising involvement of foreign companies and individuals in the forestry sector has intensified unsustainable practices, leading to widespread deforestation and the illegal harvesting of timber and other forest products.
Edu warned that without urgent intervention, the continued depletion of forest reserves could pose severe threats to both the environment and the economy, with long-term consequences for climate resilience, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
He stressed that Nigeria’s forests are vital resources that must be protected from unchecked exploitation and called on the government to provide stronger policy frameworks, stricter monitoring, and greater collaboration among security and regulatory agencies to reverse the trend.
In his address at the meeting, the Minister of Environment, Industry, Trade and Investment, who was represented at the event, charged stakeholders including NACPDEAN to intensify their efforts toward sustainable forest management.
The Minister noted that Nigeria is already experiencing one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, and that without urgent action, the country risks severe ecological and socio-economic damage.
He added that efforts to achieve sustainable forest development would also prevent the possibility of nationwide bans on deforestation-related activities, which could cripple businesses and worsen unemployment if not managed with balance.
Other speakers, including representatives of security agencies, reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action against illegal logging and the destruction of forest ecosystems.
They pledged stronger collaboration to ensure that violators are prosecuted and that forest reserves across the nation are better safeguarded.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) also highlighted the role of enforcement as a critical tool in protecting Nigeria’s forests, stressing that laws and regulations must be applied strictly to achieve meaningful results.
Stakeholders at the meeting underscored that the fight against deforestation is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.
Projections indicate that Nigeria’s forest sector could generate billions of dollars annually if managed sustainably, creating jobs, boosting exports, and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Experts agreed that achieving this vision requires the government, local communities, industry players, and international partners to align on a common agenda that prioritizes conservation, reforestation, and responsible resource use.
The meeting concluded with a unified message that safeguarding Nigeria’s forests is both a national duty and a pathway to long-term prosperity.
