The Federal Government has announced an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products, revoking all existing licences and permits previously issued for the trade.
The directive was disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State. According to the minister, the decision is backed by a Presidential Executive Order titled “Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025.”
Lawal explained that the move became necessary to address the rising cases of illegal logging and widespread deforestation across the country. He noted that Nigeria’s forest resources play a critical role in environmental sustainability, including climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of livelihoods dependent on forest ecosystems.
He warned that the continued export of wood threatens these environmental benefits and poses long-term risks to the country’s ecological balance, stressing that urgent action was required to halt further degradation.
The executive order, which was published in the Extraordinary Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 180, Vol. 112 of October 16, 2025, draws its authority from Sections 17(2) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The provisions empower the government to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, while preventing the exploitation of natural resources for private gain.
Under the new policy, security agencies and relevant government ministries have been directed to enforce a strict clampdown on illegal logging activities nationwide, ensuring full compliance with the ban.
Speaking earlier at the council meeting, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Lawal Jobe, emphasised the importance of collaboration among states and federal institutions in tackling environmental challenges. He highlighted Katsina State’s efforts in combating desertification and promoting afforestation as part of broader sustainability initiatives.
The federal government said the ban reflects its renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s shrinking forest cover, addressing climate change concerns, and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources for future generations.
