Nigeria’s forests near collapse, less than 10% remain — NCF

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has raised alarm over the rapid depletion of Nigeria’s forests, revealing that nearly 90 per cent of the country’s forest cover has disappeared over the past three decades.

In a statement issued in Lagos to mark the International Day of Forests, the foundation called for immediate and coordinated efforts to tackle deforestation. The 2026 theme, “Forests and Economies,” highlights the vital role forests play in environmental sustainability, livelihoods, and national growth.

According to the NCF, Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest deforestation rates globally, driven largely by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanisation. The foundation noted that less than 10 per cent of the country’s original forest landscape remains intact.

It also pointed to the widespread dependence on fuelwood and charcoal for energy as a major factor putting pressure on the remaining forests.

The organisation stressed that forests are essential for agriculture, water regulation, and the livelihoods of millions, especially in rural areas, but remain undervalued in national development planning.

Key drivers of forest loss identified by the NCF include weak enforcement of environmental laws, rising demand for land and energy, illegal logging, and insufficient investment in restoration.

The Director-General of the foundation, Joseph Onoja, warned that continued destruction of forests could have serious environmental and economic consequences. He emphasised that forests are critical to human survival and climate stability, questioning why such vital ecosystems continue to be degraded.

As part of its response, the NCF is implementing initiatives such as the Green Recovery Nigeria Programme, which aims to increase the country’s forest cover to 25 per cent by 2047. The organisation disclosed that it planted over 265,000 trees in 2025 in collaboration with various partners.

Other efforts include community-based forest management, biodiversity conservation projects, and partnerships with government and the private sector to promote sustainable land use and alternative livelihoods.

The foundation urged all levels of government to strengthen forest governance, enforce environmental regulations, and increase funding for conservation. It also called on the private sector to invest in sustainable practices and encouraged individuals and communities to support tree planting and responsible resource use.

The NCF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s forests to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits for future generations.