By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been urged to pass a law to regulate the indiscriminate felling of trees in the country, in alignment with global agroforestry policies observed in other tropical nations.
In a press statement issued by the Agroforestry Development Association (AFDA), signed by its chairman, Malam Sulaiman Umar, the group expressed concern over the growing deforestation in Nigeria. The association warned that the increasing tree felling, particularly in the Sub-Saharan regions, could have detrimental effects on the country’s environment, making it urgent to establish a law to regulate such activities.
The group further advised agroforestry stakeholders and high-ranking officials to explore new approaches for restoring national plantations. AFDA highlighted the potential for the tourism industry to thrive by utilizing forested areas, as seen in countries that generate significant revenue from their forests.
Additionally, AFDA announced plans to organize a nationwide tree planting campaign, focusing on states in need of adequate tree species to restore those lost. The group also called on local government councils to initiate tree planting efforts to replace those felled illegally.
