ABUJA, Dec. 19 (AGCNewsNet) – The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a Presidential Executive Order prohibiting the exportation of wood and allied products nationwide, in a move aimed at protecting forest resources and addressing environmental degradation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, announced the order on Wednesday in Katsina during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE). He said the directive, titled “Presidential Executive Order on Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025,” was signed by President Bola Tinubu.

Under the order, the exportation of wood, charcoal and other allied forest products is henceforth banned across the country. Abbas-Lawal explained that although the official launch was planned for Abuja, the federal government chose to unveil the order at the NCE meeting due to the significance of the gathering.

The minister noted that while forests are owned and controlled by state governments, the Federal Government retains responsibility for national parks. He added that the executive order defines forest resources as all trees, vegetation and associated biodiversity found within forested areas of Nigeria.

Abbas-Lawal also clarified that illegal logging includes the unauthorised harvesting, transportation, processing, buying or selling of timber and other forest products in violation of Nigerian laws.

He said the policy aligns with the theme of the council meeting, which focused on “Tackling the triple planetary crises: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution for sustainable development in Nigeria.”

The federal government says the order is part of broader efforts to curb deforestation, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable environmental management across the country.

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