By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government is set to establish a task force aimed at promoting private forest ownership in Nigeria.
This decision is part of efforts to combat deforestation, increase forest cover, and encourage private sector involvement in forest management.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal Abbas, revealed the decision during a meeting with the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (FCGICM), led by its President, Florence Omolola Idowu, in Abuja.
The minister explained that the task force would draw members from relevant agencies such as the Forestry Department, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NGGW), the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
Key stakeholders, including associations like FCGICM and the Wood Exporters Association (WEA), will also be represented.
“We face critical challenges regarding our forests, and urgent steps are needed to address these issues,” Lawal said, noting, “Establishing this task force will help create public awareness about the importance of private forests, which can increase Nigeria’s GDP and raise forest cover to at least 25%, aligning with global standards.”
He also highlighted the need for alternatives to wood-based charcoal production, noting that charcoal remains a livelihood staple in many Nigerian communities.
The ministry, he revealed, is working on innovative solutions to support the recently launched National Clean Cooking Policy and reduce reliance on tree felling.
The minister urged FCGICM and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Forestry Department to develop alternative sources of charcoal that do not involve tree felling, reinforcing the ministry’s resolve to balance environmental conservation with economic development.
Idowu, in her remarks, emphasized the association’s commitment to obtaining Nigeria’s Forest Stewardship Council certification and ensuring compliance with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EURD).
She noted that these certifications are vital to maintaining global standards for forest management and curbing deforestation.
“This will also ensure that goods exported to the EU and American markets meet the required standards, contributing to sustainable forest management in Nigeria,” she added.
