The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the export of wood and wood-related products, revoking all previously issued licences and permits in a move aimed at tackling illegal logging and deforestation.
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.” He said the order was introduced to protect Nigeria’s rapidly depleting forest resources and promote environmental sustainability.
Lawal emphasized that forests play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating the impact of climate change.
“Nigeria’s forests are vital to our environmental health. Continued and unchecked exportation of wood poses a serious threat to these benefits and to the country’s long-term environmental future,” he said.
The executive order, published in the Extraordinary Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 180, Vol. 112 of October 16, 2025, draws authority from Sections 17(2) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandate the state to safeguard the environment, forests, and wildlife.
Under the new policy, security agencies and relevant government ministries have been directed to enforce strict measures against illegal logging activities across the country.