By Abbas Nazil
NatureNews, Nigeria’s leading environmental news platform, has entered into a strategic partnership with WEN Synergies to promote public awareness and co-host the maiden national summit on Nigeria’s $2 billion forest economy.
This collaboration will culminate in the highly anticipated first ever Nigeria Forest Economy Summit (NFES), which is scheduled to take place from July 21st to 22nd, 2025, at the Presidential Villa Auditorium, Abuja.
At the heart of this summit is a shared vision, championed by The Presidency through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), to drive national development by leveraging forest resources in a sustainable and economically viable manner
Under the theme “Sustainability of Nigeria’s Forests: Unlocking the $2 Billion Economic Potential,” the landmark event will bring together policymakers, investors, researchers, private sector leaders, and civil society actors to explore and activate Nigeria’s untapped forestry economy assets.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are expected to grace the event, lending presidential weight to what is poised to be the nation’s most-influential forestry policy and investment dialogue.
The summit will feature keynote addresses by international forestry and economic experts, stakeholder panels, and exhibitions showcasing forest products and services.
The NatureNews-WEN Synergies alliance aims to ensure wide dissemination of key summit outcomes, including policy briefs, implementation action plans, and strategic road map.
By offering robust media coverage, investigative reporting, and expert analysis before, during, and after the event, NatureNews will not only raise public awareness but also enhance stakeholders’ accountability.
According to the WEN Synergies 2025 strategy document, the path to unlocking Nigeria’s forestry potential lies in six critical areas: sustainable forest management, value chain development, innovative financing, regulatory reforms, research and development, and capacity building.
These areas are expected to boost employment, support biodiversity conservation, and contribute positively to Nigeria’s GDP.
Short-term outcomes of the summit include stronger engagement among policymakers and investors and increased visibility of the sector’s economic potential.
In the medium to long term, stakeholders anticipate expanded green job creation, rural development, and a surge in investments channelled through green bonds, carbon credits, and impact financing.
The long-term vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals for climate resilience and the national tree planting campaign.
In his reaction, Chairman of WEN Synergies, Arc. O.Danny Sokari-George said through this partnership, NatureNews and WEN Synergies reaffirm their commitment to environmental sustainability and economic transformation.
Similarly, the CEO/Editor-in-Chief of NatureNews, Aliu Akoshile, who expressed optimism that the collaboration reflects a new dawn in forestry economy promotion.
He said the partnership seeks to inform, influence, and inspire sustainable forestry action across Nigeria and beyond
Meanwhile, the organising committee of the two-day summit says there is a window opportunity for public and private organisations to earn tremendous benefits from sponsorship of the event.
According to the committee, enquiries on support and sponsorship should be directed to Architect Bose Idegbesor on 08176788816 and Mr. Pius Alabi 08039734931
