Ondo Governor, Forestry Experts Call for Urgent Action Against Deforestation
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has joined forest management experts in calling for urgent action to end deforestation across Nigeria, warning that continued destruction of forests threatens both the environment and the economy.
Speaking at the 9th Biennial Conference of the Forests and Forest Products Society, held at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, on Thursday, Aiyedatiwa stressed the need for coordinated efforts to curb deforestation and restore degraded lands.
The conference, themed “Healthy and Resilient Forests for a Buoyant Nigerian Economy,” brought together local and international experts to discuss sustainable forest management.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Chief Segun Odusanya, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to halting forest loss and complying with global environmental standards.
“The European Union’s deforestation-free programme has been an eye-opener to Ondo State, and we will spare no effort in complying with its regulations,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Our goal is to stop deforestation and ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.”
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Professor Adenike Oladiji, also emphasised the importance of inter-institutional collaboration to advance Nigeria’s forestry sector, noting that forests are vital to human survival and environmental health.
Similarly, the President of the Forests and Forest Products Society, Professor Shadrack Akindele, described forests as “the lungs of the planet” and “anchors of rural economies,” warning that Nigeria’s forests are under intense pressure from human activities.
He said, “A healthy forest ecosystem supports water regulation, soil fertility, climate stability, and cultural identity. Within our current challenges lie opportunities for innovation, reforestation, and green entrepreneurship.”
Data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) shows that forests currently cover about 23 per cent of Nigeria’s land area, reflecting a steady decline in recent decades. Between 2000 and 2024, the country reportedly lost 1.3 million hectares of tree cover, according to Global Forest Watch.
Deforestation in Nigeria is largely driven by illegal logging, agriculture, urban expansion, and fuelwood harvesting. The Federal Government, through initiatives like the FAO-supported AIM4Forests project, is working to promote sustainable management and improve forest monitoring systems.
