The Federal Government has endorsed the proposed National Forest Association of Nigeria, stating it will promote coordination, investment, and sustainable development in the sector.
Assistant Director at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Felicia Udeh, made this known at a national stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Friday to consider and adopt the association’s draft constitution.
Udeh described the meeting as a significant milestone toward establishing a stronger, more sustainable forest sector.
She noted that Nigeria’s forest resources are under considerable pressure, citing World Bank data indicating that forest coverage was 23.2 percent of the land area in 2023.
According to her, declining forest coverage, population growth, economic activities, and rising demand for forest resources threaten livelihoods, industrial development, and environmental sustainability.
She added that these challenges also impact climate resilience and national resource security, emphasizing the need for increased investment in forest restoration, sustainable management, and plantation development.
Udeh called for more investment in technology, research, infrastructure, and value addition to strengthen the sector and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
She explained that the proposed association would serve as a broad platform to promote investment, development, and sustainable growth across the forest value chain.
The association would also foster collaboration among stakeholders and complement existing product-based groups without overlapping their mandates.
“The association will provide a common platform to address sector-wide issues while respecting the mandates of specialized groups,” she said.
Udeh reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting Nigerian commodities, strengthening value chains, facilitating investment, and creating an enabling environment for inclusive economic growth.
She highlighted the forest sector’s potential to drive industrialization, job creation, economic diversification, investment, and exports if properly harnessed.
Udeh praised the drafting and constitutional review committees for their work and urged stakeholders to support the formation of an inclusive and credible association.
Ojei Uche, National Secretary-General of the National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters, and Afforestation of Nigeria, commended the ministry for uniting sector associations under a common umbrella.
He expressed confidence that the proposed association would give stakeholders a stronger voice, foster collaboration, and help address sector challenges.
