Writing By Ismai’l Adamu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Government has banned the exportation of timber, charcoal and other forms of unprocessed wood as part of measures to check deforestation which is a major driver of desertification and climate change in the country.
Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas, announced the ban during the just-concluded 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State.
He explained that the policy is an emergency measure by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to prevent deforestation and other harmful practices that are eroding green vegetation in the country.
Alhaji Abbas noted that the ban is outlined in the “Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025,” which was signed by the president, revoking all previously issued licences and permits.
“Nigeria’s forests are central to environmental sustainability, providing clean air and water, supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change. The continued exportation of wood threatens these benefits while also affecting human and animal health in the long run” the minister said.
He warned that as the Order takes immediate effect nationwide, all forms of exportation of timber, charcoal and other unfinished wood derivatives have become illegal and are punishable by law.
Citing section 17 and section 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower government to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife and prevent the exploitation of natural resources for private gain, Alhaji Abbas tasked security agencies and relevant MDAs at federal, state and local government levels to enforce the order through a clampdown on illegal logging activities nationwide.
While highlighting other efforts by the federal government to preserve green vegetation and natural habitat for plant and animal species, the minister called for more deliberate policies and action by state and local governments particularly through massive tree and enforcement of environmental regulations.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the United Nations Development Program, (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) took turns to highlight the organizations’ commitment to driving the implementation of conventions and treaties that seek to prevent pollution of the environment and preserve natural habitat and agricultural land.
The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda said the state government had in the last two years planted millions of trees and carried out flood and erosion control projects to safeguard the environment and ecosystem against pollution and the effects of climate change.
Represented by the state Deputy Governor, Malam Faruk Jobe, the governor announced the transfer of the Kogo Forest Reserve in Faskari Local Government Area of the state to the Federal Government to strengthen environmental protection and promote sustainable forest management.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Nura Ibrahim, who spoke on behalf of his counterparts from the 36 states of the federation, pledged their commitment to implementing decisions reached at the council.
Ismail Adamu
