Nigeria’s forest holds a $2 billion asset potential, which has remained dormant for decades. To unlock the opportunities, a firstofitskind Nigeria’s Forest Economy Summit is being organised to hold in July this year. It will attract key stakeholders and experts from across the globe who will share their insights into a greener and prosperous future for Nigeria.
In this interview with NatureNews’ FARIDAT SALIFU, Arc Danny Sokari-George, Chairman, WEN SYNERGIES LTD, and organisers of the summit, sheds light on the driving force behind the summit and what it aims to achieve. Read excerpts:
NatureNews: What is the driving force for the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit, especially with the ambitious $2 billion opportunity on the horizon?
Arc Danny Sokari-George: The driving force was the realization that Nigeria’s forest assets, largely undervalued and underutilised, hold immense potential not just for environmental regeneration, but for real economic transformation. The $2 billion figure is not a fantasy; it’s a projection based on emerging carbon markets, sustainable timber trade, eco-tourism, and green infrastructure. We saw a need to bring the right players together to unlock this potential responsibly and inclusively.
NatureNews: If there is an enduring hint you would share with Nigerians and the global participants to take away from this summit idea, what would that be in relation to the value and future of our forest resources?
Arc Sokari-George: Our forests are not just trees. They are economic engines, climate buffers, and community lifelines. The core message is this: Nigeria’s forests are a national asset, and with the right stewardship, they can drive inclusive prosperity, combat climate change, and position Nigeria as a leader in the green economy.
NatureNews: You’ve brought together a range of key stakeholders for this summit. Who are the critical players, and why is their collective engagement vital to unlocking Nigeria’s forest economy?
Arc Sokari-George: We’ve convened a powerful coalition: federal and state government representatives, traditional leaders, international investors, carbon credit experts, financial institutions, conservationists, and local community groups. Their collective engagement is crucial because forest wealth lies at the intersection of policy, finance, ecology, and culture. No one group can unlock it alone. It demands collaboration across sectors.
NatureNews: How do you see the summit moving beyond dialogue to catalyze real investment, particularly for both local entrepreneurs and international partners looking at sustainable forest-based opportunities?
Arc Sokari-George: We’ve built this summit as a transaction-oriented platform, not just a talking shop. Specific investment pitches, public-private partnership frameworks, and pilot projects will be showcased. We are unveiling a pipeline of investable green projects, many with pre-feasibility work already done, to give both local and global stakeholders confidence in taking the next step.
NatureNews: In what ways will this summit break new grounds, compared to previous forums or efforts focused on Nigeria’s forest sector? What fresh solutions or perspectives do you expect it to spotlight?
Arc Sokari-George: This summit is unique because it’s grounded in the forest economy, not just conservation. We’re framing forests as a productive, investable asset class without compromising sustainability. It also brings the carbon market and financial inclusion into the conversation, positioning forest communities as co-owners of value chains, not bystanders. That’s a game-changer.
NatureNews: What concrete mechanisms are being established to ensure that the outcomes of this summit, in terms of ideas, commitments, and partnerships, translate into lasting policies and implementable projects after the event?
Arc Sokari-George: We are launching the Forest Economy Implementation Taskforce, comprising key ministries, private sector actors, and technical partners. A post-summit action plan with timelines, deliverables, and monitoring tools is already in place. We’re also leveraging digital platforms to track stakeholder commitments and link them to ongoing initiatives like the national afforestation program and green finance schemes.
