FG to adopt global forest initiative

With the decline in forest resources, the Federal Government has put in place measures that would ensure forest reserves are managed sustainably.

Speaking at the Extra Ordinary Session of National Forestry Development Committee (NFDC), in Lafia, Nasarawa state, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibukun Odusote, stated that Nigeria has joined the global initiatives for sustainability.

She said it has become imperative to position the industry appropriately as an important sector in economy, especially through revenue generating capacity and environmental stabilization.

She said:  “We have put and still putting in place an number of initiatives such as national forestry trust fund, national forest investment plan 2018-2023. This will guide the non CITES listed wood and charcoal policy.”

She therefore called on states, as custodians of the nation’s forest estates to develop appropriate strategies consistent with international best practices in sustainable forest management plans.

Earlier, Chairman, Governing Council African Forest Forum World Agroforestry Centre, Macanty Oyebo said forests are world’s most productive land based ecosystems and are essential to life on earth.

“They are also known for their functions in protecting natural resources essential to human survival, preserving biological diversity, regulating fresh water flows, supporting food security, yet forest are undervalued.”

He regretted that forest allocation or, concessions are not based on technical consideration but on political patronage, adding that Nigeria was a signatory to global agreements or initiatives to enforce them.