The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned the export of wood and all allied products, a decisive move aimed at curbing illegal logging, halting deforestation, and strengthening the nation’s climate change response. The directive is contained in a Presidential Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, published in the Extraordinary Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 180, Volume 112 of 16 October 2025. The order, titled “Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025, was formally launched by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE) in Katsina State. Minister Lawal explained that the ban is a crucial step to protect Nigeria’s dwindling forest resources, which have been under severe threat from unsustainable logging and export practices. He emphasized that the new executive order revokes all existing wood export licenses, and security agencies have been instructed to clamp down on illegal logging activities across the country. The government aims to promote sustainable forest management, increase domestic processing of timber, and create jobs in the local wood industry, reducing reliance on imported furniture and wood products. Over 300 civil society organizations have welcomed the ban, calling for transparent and strict enforcement to ensure it does not repeat past failures where similar bans were poorly implemented. The groups highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity hotspots, such as Cross River State, and urged the government to invest in reforestation and afforestation programs to restore degraded forest areas. The new policy also includes plans to establish wood processing free zones in states like Edo, Ogun, and Cross River, which will help add value to raw timber within Nigeria and boost the economy. Additionally, a “Plant Two for Every One” reforestation mandate has been introduced, requiring companies and communities to plant two trees for every one harvested. This comprehensive approach is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate change commitments under international agreements. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has also praised the ban, describing it as a timely boost for the local furniture industry, which will benefit from lower raw material costs and increased opportunities for local value addition. However, stakeholders caution that effective implementation, monitoring, and enforcement will be critical to the success of the ban. The government has pledged to work closely with security agencies, state governments, and local communities to ensure compliance and to develop a sustainable forest economy that benefits all Nigerians. This landmark decision marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s environmental policy, aiming to preserve its natural heritage for future generations while fostering economic growth through sustainable use of forest resources. It is a bold step towards addressing the twin challenges of deforestation and climate change, and it signals Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental stewardship.
Over 300 civil-society organisations have thrown their weight behind the Federal Government’s new wood export ban, hailing it as a critical step to curb illegal logging and safeguard Nigeria’s dwindling forest cover. The groups, speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja on 17 January 2026, urged the administration to ensure transparent enforcement, including robust monitoring, strict penalties, and collaboration with local communities. They highlighted past failures where similar bans were undermined by weak oversight, and called for investment in reforestation and domestic wood processing to create jobs. The coalition pledged to work with the Ministry of Environment to track implementation and protect biodiversity hotspots across the country.
Implications
The new wood export ban reshapes Nigeria’s environmental and economic landscape in several ways. First, it is expected to curb illegal logging, a major driver of deforestation, by revoking all existing export licenses and empowering security agencies to enforce the law. This could help preserve critical biodiversity hotspots such as Cross River State, protecting ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. Second, the ban forces a shift toward domestic processing of timber, which can stimulate local industry, create up to 500,000 jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported furniture and wood products, saving foreign exchange. The planned wood processing free zones in Edo, Ogun, and Cross River States will attract investment, add value to raw timber, and boost the national economy. Third, the “Plant Two for Every One” reforestation mandate, if effectively implemented, will help restore degraded forest areas, increase carbon sequestration, and contribute to Nigeria’s climate change commitments under international agreements. However, the success of the ban hinges on transparent enforcement, robust monitoring, and collaboration between federal and state governments, security agencies, civil society, and local communities. Past attempts at similar bans failed due to weak oversight and corruption, so sustained political will and resources are essential. The policy also presents challenges for exporters and those in the supply chain, who must adapt to new market realities or risk economic losses.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s wood export ban is a landmark policy that addresses the urgent need to halt deforestation, combat illegal logging, and promote sustainable forest management. It offers a pathway to protect the country’s natural heritage, enhance climate resilience, and stimulate economic growth through local value addition and job creation. The support of over 300 civil society organizations underscores the broad consensus on the need for decisive action. However, the real impact will depend on effective implementation, transparent enforcement, and ongoing investment in reforestation and community engagement. If these challenges are met, Nigeria can set a new standard for environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Africa
