Nigeria's Forest Loss: 300 Hectares Daily, Says Goni

Nigeria is experiencing a loss of nearly 300 hectares of forest reserves daily, primarily due to illegal mining and other criminal activities. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, disclosed this alarming statistic in Abuja during a visit from the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria.

He identified illegal mining, logging, wildlife trafficking, banditry, and kidnapping as significant threats to the country's forests and protected areas. Goni reported that the National Park Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has shut down two illegal mining sites in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, dislodging over 4,000 illegal miners.

He stressed that addressing illegal mining requires more than security operations, advocating for government interventions to provide alternative livelihoods for affected communities. Goni also mentioned ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in Oyo State and the arrest of about 17 miners in Rivers State.

He called for stronger collaboration among institutions to protect Nigeria's natural resources.