By Faridat Salifu
In a bold move aimed at addressing both the nation’s security challenges and its economic development, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has unveiled a plan to transform the country’s forests into vibrant economic hubs.
The initiative, which has garnered support from international organizations, including the World Bank, seeks to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s vast forest resources while combating land degradation, reducing insecurity, and promoting environmental sustainability.
During a recent meeting with a World Bank delegation, Minister Lawal emphasized that well-managed forests could provide a multi-faceted solution to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
He explained that poorly managed forests have become hideouts for criminal groups, including bandits and insurgents, who use the dense, remote terrain to evade security forces.
Lawal argued that by turning these areas into productive economic zones, the government could not only create jobs but also diminish the influence of criminal elements.
“We are focusing on transforming our forests into key economic assets that can fuel local economies and national security,” Lawal said.
“This will provide livelihoods for rural communities, reduce criminal activity, and stimulate development through infrastructure and resource utilization,” he reasoned.
The Minister’s plan draws on international examples where forestry sectors have driven economic growth.
In the United States, agroforestry creates thousands of jobs and contributes significantly to the economy, while in Scotland, forestry generates over £1 billion annually.
Lawal highlighted that such success stories could be replicated in Nigeria, where forests already play a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural communities, but are increasingly under threat from rapid deforestation and poor management practices.
One of the key components of the initiative is the establishment of a task force to promote private ownership of forests.
The task force, which will include representatives from key government agencies such as the Forestry Department, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), aims to incentivize private sector investment in sustainable forest management.
By encouraging private ownership, the government hopes to increase Nigeria’s forest cover, which currently stands below global standards, and generate revenue through the sale of forest products, eco-tourism, and sustainable timber exports.
Related Posts
Lawal also pointed out the need to address the widespread use of charcoal, which is contributing to deforestation across the country.
The Ministry, he said, is exploring alternative cooking fuels as part of the National Clean Cooking Policy to reduce the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods.
“We must provide alternative, sustainable cooking fuels that reduce our reliance on charcoal,” he explained. “This will protect our forests while offering more environmentally friendly solutions for Nigerian families.”
The minister said Nigeria’s forestry transformation plan is supported by ongoing international collaborations, such as the partnership with India to combat desertification and land degradation. In November 2024, Nigeria further solidified its commitment to sustainable environmental practices by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China during COP29.
These agreements, Lawal asserted, demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges through global cooperation and innovative solutions.
In addition to economic and environmental goals, the minister said the initiative is expected to contribute to the country’s broader security strategy. Lawal noted that by providing alternative livelihoods and fostering community engagement, the plan could reduce the appeal of criminal activities, particularly in rural areas.
He emphasized that sustainable forest management could create new jobs in sectors such as eco-tourism, green infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture, helping to stabilize regions most affected by insecurity.
While the Minister’s vision has been met with optimism, challenges remain.
Experts stress the need for stronger law enforcement and improved data collection to ensure effective forest management.
The Forestry Association of Nigeria has also raised concerns about the conversion of conservation areas into luxury estates, warning that such projects could undermine efforts to protect the nation’s forests.
Dr. Chukwuma Okoli, a political scientist at the Federal University of Lafia, emphasized that empowering local communities to manage their forests could play a critical role in reducing insecurity. “By giving local communities ownership of their forests and economic incentives, we can help address the root causes of insecurity and promote peace,” he said.
Similarly, Professor Emmanuel Oladipo, an environmental scientist at the University of Ibadan, called for policies that balance development with conservation.
He advocated for Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) practices that would meet the demand for forest products without compromising the health of ecosystems.
“By integrating sustainable forest management with economic development, we can create a model for other nations facing similar challenges,” the professor maintained, pointing out, “This is an opportunity to protect our environment, create jobs, and ensure a safer, more prosperous future for Nigeria.” END
Source :NAN
