Forests play a vital role in sustaining ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, and combating climate change.
However, their economic and security significance is often underappreciated.
Globally, the forestry sector is a major economic contributor.
It employs over 33 million people worldwide and generates huge revenue through industries such as timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals.
In the US, agroforestry has created 49,500 jobs per 1.8 billion dollars invested.
Similarly, Scotland’s forestry sector generates 1.1 billion pounds yearly and provides 34,000 jobs, revealing the economic potential of well-managed forests.
In Nigeria, forests play a vital role in rural economies, offering livelihoods and essential ecosystem services.
However, rapid deforestation and poor management are undermining these benefits, jeopardising biodiversity and socio-economic stability.
The Forestry Association of Nigeria has expressed concerns about converting forests for other purposes, warning that it could deplete vital resources.
Beyond their economic value, forests are also crucial for national security.
In Nigeria, poorly managed forests have become hideouts for criminal groups, such as bandits and insurgents, exacerbating insecurity, particularly in rural areas.
Recent research indicates that the dense cover and remoteness of forests make them ideal locations for criminal activities.
To this end, Nigeria’s Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, supported by the World Bank, aims to combat land degradation and build climate resilience in northern Nigeria.
This initiative is particularly crucial, as land degradation is exacerbating security challenges in the region.
In Nigeria, forests represent a vast untapped resource that could help address key national security challenges.
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with international organisations and local experts, is leading efforts to transform forests into dynamic economic hubs.
This initiative seeks to align economic development with environmental sustainability, thereby benefiting both the nation’s economy and security.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, recently presented these plans during a meeting with a World Bank delegation.
He stressed that “turning forests into economic hubs will not only prevent the activities of bandits, but also stimulate development through infrastructure and resource utilisation”.
This initiative, he said, is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to combat insecurity and environmental degradation.
Lawal stated that World Bank support would help the government sustain and expand the country’s forests, which are vital for mitigating both environmental and security risks.
In addition to government efforts, the involvement of the private sector is crucial.
The Ministry plans to establish a task force to encourage private ownership of forests.
This initiative will boost private sector participation, generate revenue, and expand Nigeria’s forest cover.
During a recent courtesy visit by the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (FCGICM), Lawal revealed that the task force would include members from key departments and agencies.
These include the Forestry Department, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), the ACReSAL project, and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
The task force will also include the Wood Exporters Association (WEA).
Lawal expressed the urgency of addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s forests.
“There is a need to create awareness and encourage private forest ownership, which will not only increase our GDP but also help expand our forest cover to at least 25 per cent, in line with global standards”.
He also acknowledged the reliance of many Nigerian communities on forests and emphasised the need to explore alternative sources of charcoal to prevent further deforestation.
The Ministry is actively working on innovations to support the National Clean Cooking Policy, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of cooking fuel.
Similarly, Mrs Florence Idowu, FCGICM president, noted that the association is working towards obtaining Nigeria’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
She also highlighted efforts to ensure compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EURD).
She stressed that certification is crucial to ensure adherence to global standards and help curb deforestation, especially concerning exports to European and American markets.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s international collaborations are enhancing its forest transformation agenda.
At the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Conference (COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and India agreed to collaborate on tackling desertification, drought, and land degradation.
This partnership underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges.
In November 2024, Nigeria further cemented its commitment to sustainable environmental practices by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China during COP29.
This agreement focuses on adopting innovative solutions, promoting mutual cooperation, and accelerating climate action.
These collaborations highlight the significance of South-South cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
While experts recognise the vast economic potential of forests, they also warn against indiscriminate deforestation for development projects.
A recent report by a media research group revealed concerns about the conversion of conservation areas into luxury estates, which could exacerbate environmental degradation.
The Forestry Association of Nigeria has called for policies that balanced development and conservation, advocating for sustainable practices that ensured long-term ecological and economic benefits.
Similarly, Academics and environmentalists emphasised the importance of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM).
This approach, they argued, balanced the demand for forest products with the need to preserve ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Dr Chukwuma Okoli, a political scientist at the Federal University of Lafia, argued that transforming forested areas into economic hubs could have mitigated security threats.
He suggested that this approach would provide alternative livelihoods and reduce dependence on criminal activities.
Prof. Emmanuel Oladipo, an environmental scientist at the University of Ibadan, revealed the shift in public concern from timber extraction to the preservation of biodiversity and wildlife.
He also advocated for community-based forest management which empowered local communities to take ownership of their forests while providing economic incentives.
In spite of the benefits, several challenges remain, including illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and population growth, which continue to drive deforestation.
Additionally, a lack of accurate data on forest resources hampers effective planning and policy implementation.
To address these issues, experts recommend strengthening law enforcement, promoting alternative livelihoods, and improving data collection and monitoring systems.
In conclusion, transforming Nigeria’s forests into economic hubs offers a promising path to enhancing both national security and economic development.
By leveraging academic insights, implementing sustainable forest management practices, and fostering international partnerships, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its forests.
The long-term benefits of this transformation include reduced insecurity, improved biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods for millions of Nigerians.
Stakeholders say integrating sustainable practices with economic development, Nigeria can set a global example for using forests to tackle both environmental and security challenges.
By Abigael Joshua, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
