Expert Urges Strong Enforcement of Nigeria’s Forest Policies for National Prosperity

Renowned forestry expert Prof. Orimoloye Ipooola Faleyimu from Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) has called on the Nigerian government to rigorously enforce forestry laws and policies to unlock the vast socio-economic and environmental benefits of the nation’s forest resources. Speaking at OAUSTECH’s 9th Inaugural Lecture on November 19, 2025, Faleyimu stressed that while Nigeria possesses a robust framework of forest policies, what is lacking is the political will to implement these laws effectively and transparently. He warned that the politicization of forest policy undermines the potential of Nigeria’s forests to contribute to national prosperity and climate improvement.

Prof. Faleyimu highlighted the far-reaching benefits of forest conservation, including climate regulation, soil protection, biodiversity conservation, provision of timber, food and medicinal resources, and livelihood support for rural communities. He underscored that Nigeria’s diverse vegetation zones—from mangrove and rainforest in the south to savanna and arid forest in the north—each require tailored management approaches. However, unchecked illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, arson, and poaching threaten these ecosystems, resulting in a net forest loss of approximately 438,981 hectares between 2001 and 2014. Alarmingly, 13 states had no forest cover as of 2000, highlighting the urgency for reinforced forest governance.

The socio-economic constraints limiting effective forest policy enforcement include corruption, weak legal enforcement institutions, inadequate funding and staffing, political interference, and poverty-driven exploitation. Faleyimu recommended proactive federal and state government interventions such as mandating tree planting ratios, promoting urban forestry, enhancing budgetary support, improving forestry personnel capacity, and incentivizing community participation in forest conservation. He also urged integration of conservation education in schools and affordable access to alternative energy to reduce pressure on forest resources.

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The OAUSTECH Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, affirmed the lecture’s timely relevance and called on stakeholders to separate politics from forestry policy. He emphasized that political interference jeopardizes Nigeria’s ability to harness its forest wealth for sustainable development and national unity. This call aligns with recent federal efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen forest security by deploying trained forest guards to combat illegal activities in Nigeria’s forest reserves.

Nigeria’s forests remain critical to environmental stability, climate mitigation, and rural livelihoods. Strengthening enforcement of forest laws while fostering public-private collaboration and international support can counter the threats of deforestation and secure the benefits of Nigeria’s rich forest heritage for current and future generations