Nigeria Loses 4m Hectares of Forest Yearly Through Logging, Urbanisation, Others 

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Recent reports have indicated that Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest deforestation in the world, as the country loses approximately four million hectares of forest annually, due to agricultural expansion, unsustainable logging and rapid urbanisation.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Etomi,  at the flag-off ceremony for the Afforestation/Reforestation, Livelihood Enhancement, and Carbon Sequestration (ALEC) project, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday.

Represented by Anita Edo-Osagie, the Deputy General Manager, First E&P, Etomi said the 

situation is particularly critical with available data highlighting the severe environmental challenges in the country.

He said Global Forest Watch estimates that 70%–80% of Nigeria’s original forest cover has already been lost, with mangrove forests under threat, warning that  projections by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) warn that without immediate and decisive action, Nigeria could lose its remaining mangrove forests by 2050.

Etomi, said the the urgency of  project cannot be overstated as climate change, deforestation, and land degradation are escalating global threats that demand immediate, concerted action, adding that globally, forests are vital carbon sinks, biodiversity hotspots, and sources of livelihood for millions.

He said, “This understanding informs our support of key restoration and conservation initiatives like ALEC. The ALEC project, stands to address these pressing issues comprehensively. “In the first phase, we will look to plant up to half a million trees across our 11 host communities in Bayelsa State.

“Beyond planting trees, it embodies an integrated approach with clear objectives and deliverables to achieve the following:Restore Biodiversity: Through large-scale afforestation and reforestation, we aim to revitalize lost tropical and mangrove forests in our littoral communities.Introduce Sustainable Livelihood Options: 

“We will implement capacity-building initiatives to provide sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities for communities in the KEFESSO region. Incorporate Community Participation: We are committed to fostering community involvement in sustainable forest conservation through a Participatory Forest Management programme. Enhance Grassroots Awareness and Policy Reform.

“The project will work to increase local awareness and advocate for policy reforms that promote natural resource conservation.Develop Collaborative Frameworks: We aim to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies and NGOs, to enhance biodiversity

Also speaking, the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Onoja,  said the ALEC project sponsored by First E&P is a five year project that would focus on forest restoration and livelihood across 11 communities in Bayelsa.

Onoja, represented by the Director, Technical Programmes, Nigerian Conservation Foundation,  Mr. Adedamola Ogunsesan, said the whole idea is to develop a project that would be able to improve the livelihood of the people and conserve the environment across this 11 Local Government Areas and also ensure that community participate in forest preservation

On its Part, the Bayelsa State Government, said it was ready to partner with NCF, First E&P and development partners or organizations that have good initiative.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Nimofa Ayawei, the government said environmental conservation and preservation is an integral part of what every government and, indeed, reasonable companies should do.

He said, “Bayelsa in the recent hours have taken drastic measures in reducing deforestation in our forest, a lot have been taken out from us, including by neighbouring states, so we are taking the necessary steps to stop that process.”