Nigeria Unveils $1bn Forest Rescue Plan to Combat Climate Crisis, Halt Rapid Deforestation

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has launched an ambitious $1 billion forest recovery initiative, signaling one of its most decisive moves yet to confront deforestation, climate change, and the growing threat to livelihoods tied to its shrinking natural resources.

The plan, unveiled in Abuja at the National Validation Workshop of Nigeria’s Country Package titled “Securing Nigeria’s Forest Future (SNFF),” outlines a sweeping 10-year strategy (2026–2036) aimed at restoring degraded forest landscapes, strengthening governance, and unlocking sustainable financing for the sector.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, warned that Nigeria’s forests—long regarded as critical national assets—are under severe and escalating pressure.

He noted that deforestation, unsustainable resource extraction, land-use changes, and climate variability are rapidly eroding forest ecosystems that millions of Nigerians depend on for survival.

“Forests are central to our environmental stability, economic resilience, and the livelihoods of our people, but the pressures they face today demand urgent and coordinated national action,” the minister said.

The SNFF initiative, developed under the global Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership (FCLP), is designed to translate Nigeria’s climate commitments into measurable outcomes by integrating forest restoration, climate resilience, green job creation, and innovative financing into a unified national framework.

At the core of the plan is a target to mobilize approximately $1 billion in blended finance, combining public funding, international climate support, private investment, and carbon market mechanisms.

Also speaking, the Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Halima Bawa-Bwari, described the initiative as a critical turning point in Nigeria’s environmental governance, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term, coordinated action.

She highlighted that Nigeria’s forests play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and national economic development, but are increasingly threatened by rising energy demand, agricultural expansion, and environmental degradation.

“Our forest landscapes are under immense strain. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that brings together government, private sector actors, development partners, and local communities,” she said.

Bawa-Bwari explained that the SNFF framework provides a detailed roadmap for systemic reform, including restoring degraded lands, strengthening institutional coordination, expanding green livelihood opportunities, and improving transparency and monitoring systems.

Beyond financing and policy, both officials stressed that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on inclusive participation, particularly from forest-dependent communities, civil society groups, and state governments.

The validation workshop, they noted, is a crucial stage in refining the framework to ensure it reflects broad national ownership and delivers tangible results.

“This process is about building a collective vision that ensures real impact for both our forests and our people,” Bawa-Bwari added.

Lawal also reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader environmental commitments, including the National Forest Policy, the National REDD+ Strategy, obligations under the Paris Agreement, and the Climate Change Act of 2021.

He expressed confidence that the outcome of the workshop would position Nigeria to scale up forest conservation efforts in a more coordinated and impactful manner.

“With this initiative, Nigeria is taking a bold step toward securing its forest resources for future generations while contributing meaningfully to global climate and biodiversity goals,” the minister said as he formally declared the workshop open.

Stakeholders at the event—including representatives from federal and state governments, development partners, civil society, and the private sector—are expected to finalize a framework that could redefine Nigeria’s forest management strategy over the next decade.

If successfully implemented, the SNFF initiative could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against environmental degradation, while opening new pathways for green investment, climate resilience, and sustainable economic growth.

Nigeria Unveils $1bn Forest Rescue Plan to Combat Climate Crisis, Halt Rapid Deforestation