Forests: A Cornerstone for Economic Growth, Environmental Stability, and National Security

Forests are vital for sustaining ecosystems, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate change. Yet, their economic and security significance often goes unnoticed. As global challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and insecurity mount, the role of forests as both economic assets and security buffers has become increasingly evident.

Forests as Economic Drivers

Globally, the forestry sector is a significant economic engine, employing over 33 million people and generating substantial revenue across diverse industries, including timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals. For example, agroforestry in the United States has created approximately 49,500 jobs per $1.8 billion invested. Similarly, Scotland’s forestry industry contributes £1.1 billion annually to its economy, sustaining 34,000 jobs.

In Nigeria, forests are essential to rural economies, providing livelihoods and critical ecosystem services. However, mismanagement and deforestation threaten biodiversity and socio-economic stability. The Forestry Association of Nigeria has raised alarms over the increasing conversion of forests for non-conservation purposes, warning of resource depletion and its cascading effects.

Forests and National Security

Forests play an integral role in national security, particularly in regions where poor management has created safe havens for criminal groups. In Nigeria, dense and remote forests have become hotspots for illicit activities, exacerbating insecurity in rural areas. Recent studies underscore the need for effective forest management to address these security concerns.

Government Initiatives: A Path Forward

To counter these challenges, the Nigerian government, with the support of the World Bank, has launched the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. This initiative seeks to combat land degradation, enhance climate resilience, and reposition forests as economic assets.

During a recent meeting with a World Bank delegation, Malam Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, outlined a vision for transforming forests into economic hubs. He emphasized that leveraging forests for development could deter banditry, stimulate infrastructure growth, and optimize resource utilization. Lawal also highlighted the necessity of sustained World Bank support to expand Nigeria’s forest cover and mitigate environmental and security risks.

Private Sector Collaboration: A Key to Success

Private sector participation is central to Nigeria’s forest management strategy. The Ministry of Environment has established a task force to promote private forest ownership, enhance revenue generation, and increase forest cover. This task force comprises representatives from key agencies, including the Forestry Department, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), ACReSAL, the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), and the Wood Exporters Association (WEA).

The Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (FCGICM) has also pledged its support. During a recent visit, FCGICM President, Mrs. Florence Idowu, stressed the urgency of expanding Nigeria’s forest cover to meet the global standard of 25%. She also underscored the importance of securing Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification and complying with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EURD) to enhance international trade and curb deforestation.

International Cooperation: Tackling Global Challenges

Nigeria is strengthening international partnerships to combat deforestation and climate change. At COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and India agreed to collaborate on addressing desertification and land degradation. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with China at COP29 aims to accelerate climate action through innovative solutions, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to global sustainable development goals.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite progress, deforestation driven by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and population growth remains a pressing issue. Inadequate data collection further hampers effective forest management. Experts recommend enhanced law enforcement, diversified livelihood options, and improved data systems as critical steps to strengthen forest governance.

Sustainable Solutions for Long-Term Impact

Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is gaining recognition as a balanced approach to meeting economic demands while preserving biodiversity. Community-based forest management models are also encouraged to empower local populations and create economic incentives for conservation efforts.

A Vision for the Future

Transforming Nigeria’s forests into economic hubs is a strategic move toward achieving national security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. By integrating sustainable practices with development initiatives, Nigeria can set a global benchmark for harnessing forest resources to address complex socio-economic and environmental challenges.