Environmental Catastrophe: Nigeria's Forests Vanishing at Alarming Rate

Nigeria is facing a severe environmental crisis, losing an alarming 250,000 to 300,000 hectares of forest annually, a rate that has already resulted in the loss of over 70 per cent of its total forest reserves. This extensive deforestation, combined with widespread illegal mining, uncontrolled extraction of natural resources, significant biodiversity loss, escalating pollution, and the pervasive effects of climate change, is profoundly deepening the nation's human security crisis. These environmental challenges pose an existential threat to the livelihoods, food security, and future prospects of millions of Nigerian citizens.

These dire warnings were articulated during the Third Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence (NSAC), held recently in Abuja. The event, convened by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) in collaboration with various partner organisations, focused on the critical theme: "Deforestation, Mining, and the Crisis of Human Security in Nigeria." It gathered a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the government, revered traditional rulers, academics, civil society organisations, labour unions, youth and women groups, development partners, journalists, and dedicated environmental justice advocates, all united in addressing Nigeria's ecological challenges.

During the convergence, participants collectively declared that Nigeria's ecological crisis has reached an unprecedented critical point. They cautioned that the incessant destruction of vital ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and farmlands, constitutes not only an environmental emergency but also an escalating threat to national security, public health, and overall economic stability. The tangible consequences of this environmental degradation are already evident in the form of rising community conflicts, forced displacement, the proliferation of organised crime, widespread food insecurity, increased poverty, and the gradual weakening of rural economies across the country.

A particular concern highlighted by stakeholders was the global intensified demand for critical minerals, which they warned could potentially expose Nigeria to a new and destructive phase of extractivism. While acknowledging that the increasing demand for minerals essential for renewable energy technologies and the global transition towards low-carbon economies presents opportunities for industrialisation and economic diversification, the convergence strongly insisted that Nigeria must not repeat the historical errors of its decades-long oil extraction. This past era saw host communities enduring severe environmental degradation and adverse health consequences while receiving minimal benefits from the vast resources extracted from their lands.

Participants critically argued that the country’s escalating ecological crisis is fundamentally rooted in a broader governance and development crisis. This systemic issue is driven by chronically weak institutions, inadequate enforcement of existing environmental laws, and a prevailing development model that consistently prioritises profit over the well-being of people and the environment. In response, they emphatically called for a decisive paradigm shift towards a people-centred, rights-based, and environmentally responsible approach to natural resource governance.

The convergence featured insightful presentations from prominent figures such as environmental advocate and HOMEF President, Nnimmo Bassey, and the Emir of Nasarawa, His Royal Highness Ibrahim Usman Jibril, whose address was delivered by the immediate past Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru. A keynote address was also delivered by Professor Omolade Adunbi. Further enriching the discussions were panel sessions featuring experts including Professor Ibrahim Umara, Hauwa Mustapha, Dr. Martins Egot, and Nasreen Al-Amin.

Stakeholders reiterated the grave injustice faced by communities situated in resource-rich areas, noting that these communities continue to disproportionately bear the brunt of environmental, social, and health costs associated with extractive activities, while paradoxically receiving negligible economic benefits. They strongly condemned the insufficient protection of customary land rights and the consistent failure to ensure meaningful community participation in crucial decisions pertaining to mining operations, land acquisition, and other significant development projects that directly impact their lives and territories.

Concluding the impactful convergence, participants issued an urgent call to the Federal Government to swiftly adopt a comprehensive National Just Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Strategy. They stressed that this pivotal strategy must unequivocally place ecological security, the promotion of renewable energy, robust climate action, diligent environmental protection, sustainable industrialisation, and equitable community development at the very core of Nigeria’s overarching energy transition agenda. In an unanimously adopted communiqué, all participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening collaborative efforts towards achieving ecological justice and fostering people-centred development across Nigeria.