NATIONAL FORESTRY POLICY

A Policy outlines a framework for sustainable forest management in Nigeria to combat deforestation. It targets rural communities, investors, and stakeholders to meet forest cover goals through collective efforts. This ensures forests contribute to the economy while protecting the environment.

What Is This Policy?

The National Forest Policy (NFP) 2020 is Nigeria’s strategic framework for the sustainable management of its forest resources. It was designed to replace the outdated 2006 policy, acknowledging that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world (losing roughly 350,000 to 400,000 hectares annually).

Who Does It Target?

It targets a wide range of stakeholders, from rural dwellers to international investors, to ensure that the 25% forest cover goal is met through collective action.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The National Forest Policy (NFP) 2020 is designed to shift Nigeria from an era of forest exploitation to an era of sustainable forest management. Its ultimate goal is to ensure that forests contribute to the national economy while protecting the environment for future generations.

Key Features

Massive Re-afforestation Target: The headline feature is the "25% Goal." The policy mandates a nationwide drive to increase forest cover from the current ~6–10% to 25% of Nigeria’s total land area. Modern Monitoring and Protection: National Forest Monitoring System (NFMS): The policy mandates the use of satellite imagery and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to track illegal logging and forest fires in real-time. Focus on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): The policy encourages the organized trade of products like shea butter, gum arabic, medicinal plants, and rattan.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Intensive Implementation & Technical Assessment Coverage: National Scope with Ecological Prioritization Beneficiaries to Date: Communities and Ecosystems Funding: Hybrid Climate-Finance Mechanism

Important Terms

Term 1-Sustainable Forest Management (SFM): Managing forest resources in a way that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, and regeneration capacity. Term 2- The Forest Estate: All land areas that have been "demarcated and legally set aside" for forest growth in perpetuity.

Official Resources

Federal Ministry of Environment This is the lead executive body responsible for environmental policy, including the National Forest Policy. Official Website: https://environment.gov.ng Headquarters Address: Mabushi, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Minister of Environment: Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal (as of February 2026). Minister of State for Environment: Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako. Federal Department of Forestry The specialized department within the Ministry that directly handles forest reserves, reforestation, and the REDD+ mechanism. Office Address: Plot 393/394 Augustus Aikhomu Way, Utako, Abuja. Focal Point Email: [email protected] | [email protected] General Inquiries: [email protected] National Park Service (NPS) Responsible for strictly protected areas and national parks (Gashaka Gumti, Cross River, Yankari, etc.). Official Website: https://nigeriaparkservice.gov.ng Headquarters Address: Umaru Musa Yar’adua Expressway, P.M.B. 0258, Garki, Abuja. Contact Email: [email protected] Phone: 0809 928 5516 | 0811 290 7916 Link to document- Link to document

Legal Framework

The National Forest Policy 2020 operates under the Forestry Act, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act 1992. It aligns with the Climate Change Act 2021, Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. The Desertification Control and Drought Mitigation Programme provides additional authority for northern Nigeria forest interventions.