The 48th Annual National Conference of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) has successfully ended in Abuja. The five-day national conference which held from 26th to 31st October 2026 at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Green Building Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja was organized by the National Secretariat in collaboration with the FCT Chapter. With the theme Global Climate Change and Food Security: Issues, Challenges, Efforts and Exploits in Nigeria, the conference attracted over 500 foresters, researchers, policymakers, students and development partners from across the country. Activities commenced with registration and a colourful opening ceremony graced by the Honourable Minister of Environment and other dignitaries, featuring keynote addresses on climate resilience and sustainable food systems. Subsequent days featured robust technical paper presentations, plenary sessions, syndicate discussions and exhibitions of forestry innovations. Participants also embarked on field excursions to strategic forest reservesand green infrastructure projects within the Federal Capital Territory. The event climaxed with the prestigious Fellows Night where distinguished individuals who have contributed immensely to forestry development in Nigeria were inducted and honoured. In a communique issued at the end, participants called for stronger policy integration of forestry into national climate change and food security strategies.
The technical sessions were focused extensively on Climate Change, examining its impacts on forest ecosystems, agricultural productivity, food security, mitigation strategies, and community adaptation measures across Nigeria. Other sessions delved into Forest Ecology, covering biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, watershed management and wildlife habitat sustainability. Participants also presented research on Plant-related issues, including silviculture, tree improvement, agroforestry systems, non-timber forest products, medicinal plants and nursery management practices. Furthermore, robust deliberations were held on Renewable Natural Resource issues such as sustainable forest management, biomass energy, forest economics, remote sensing, GIS applications, and policies for harnessing renewable resources. The interactive sessions provided a platform for researchers, academics and practitioners to share findings, exchange ideas and propose practical, science-based solutions to Nigeria’s environmental and food security challenges.
As part of the activities, participants embarked on an educational excursion led by Prof. Ogunsanwo to the National Park Service and Millennium Park, Abuja. At the National Park Service headquarters, participants were taken on a guided tour of the museum, mini zoo and mini forest where Prof. Ogunsanwo engaged them on tree identification, the immense importance of trees to society and their socio-economic and ecological values. The visit provided practical exposure to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and forest resource management in Nigeria. At the mini zoo, participants observed various animal species including duikers and other wildlife under conservation, while the mini forest showcased diverse indigenous tree species and their ecological roles. The excursion continued to Millennium Park, Abuja, where participants were introduced to different ornamental and shade tree species for identification and classification. The practical exercise enhanced participants’ knowledge of species recognition, dendrology and silvicultural characteristics. It also emphasized the critical role of urban green spaces like Millennium Park in climate change mitigation, recreation, air quality improvement and environmental sustainability, making the excursion both educative and inspiring for all attendees.
The highpoint of the AGM was the induction of Prof. Egbewole Z. T. and 22 others as Fellows of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FFAN). The new Fellows were charged to be worthy ambassadors of forestry and to provide leadership in addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and sustainable natural resource management. During the meeting, the new Fellows were formally presented to the general house, while key issues bordering on the administration, growth and professional development of the Association were extensively discussed.
Conference also featured the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and election of new national executives to pilot the affairs of the association for the next dispensation. The election, which was conducted in a peaceful, transparent and democratic atmosphere, ushered in a new leadership for the Forestry Association of Nigeria. Prof. Umar Fagge of the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State emerged as the new National President of the Association. In the same vein, Dr. Onyekachi Chukwu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was appointed as the Coordinator for the South East Zone. The new executives in their acceptance speeches pledged to reposition the association for greater relevance, strengthen advocacy for sustainable forestry, and foster stronger collaboration with government and international partners.
A key issue deliberated upon was the progress on the National Institute of Chartered Foresters (NICF) Bill. Members were briefed on the significant progress made so far in securing chartered status for forestry professionals in Nigeria, a move expected to enhance professionalism, regulation and recognition of foresters nationwide.
In conclusion, organization was a huge success, achieving its objectives of knowledge sharing, capacity building and professional networking. The deliberations underscored the critical nexus between forestry, climate change and food security in Nigeria. The induction of 23 new Fellows and election of Prof. Umar Fagge as President will inject new vigour into the Association. The progress on the NICF Bill and resolutions from the communique imply a stronger, more professional and policy-relevant forestry sector, better positioned to contribute to national environmental sustainability, food security and climate resilience.
