Oluwatobi Adu 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria has lost nearly 90 per cent of its forest cover in three decades, conservationists warn, raising urgent concerns over environmental sustainability and economic impact.
The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Saturday issued the warning on the International Day of Forests, urging immediate reforms in governance, enforcement and conservation funding.
NCF’s communications director, Kunle Olawoyin, says only about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s forests remain, attributing the decline to illegal logging, agricultural expansion, urbanisation and heavy reliance on firewood.
“Forests are vital for life on Earth. Why are we destroying the very systems that sustain us?” says NCF Director-General Joseph Onoja.
Experts warn the loss threatens agriculture, water systems and rural livelihoods, while weakening climate resilience.
To reverse the trend, the NCF promotes its Green Recovery Nigeria Programme, targeting 25 per cent forest restoration by 2047. The group says it planted over 265,000 trees in 2025.
The organisation calls on government, businesses and citizens to strengthen enforcement, adopt sustainable practices and scale up reforestation efforts.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
