Nigeria loses nearly 90% of forest cover in three decades — NCF
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for urgent action to halt deforestation, noting that Nigeria has lost nearly 90 per cent of its forest cover in three decades. According
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called for urgent action to halt deforestation, noting that Nigeria has lost nearly 90 per cent of its forest cover in three decades.
According to NAN, the foundation made the call in a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos by the Director of Communications, Policy and Advocacy, Mr Kunle Olawoyin, to mark the International Day of Forests, observed every March 21.
Olawoyin said the 2026 theme: 'Forests and Economies,' underscored the crucial role forests play in supporting environmental sustainability, livelihoods, and national development.
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According to him, Nigeria currently records one of the highest deforestation rates globally, largely driven by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanisation.
He added that over the past three decades, the country had lost nearly 90 per cent of its forest cover, leaving less than 10 per cent of the original forest landscape intact.
Olawoyin said heavy reliance on fuelwood and charcoal for energy by a significant portion of the population continued to exert pressure on the remaining forest reserves.
