NSAC Urges Action Against Deforestation and Mining Threats

The Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Conference, held on Tuesday in Abuja, addressed the urgent issues of deforestation, mining, and environmental insecurity in Nigeria. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, emphasized the need for a collective examination of socio-ecological challenges and a path towards ecological justice.

He noted that Nigeria is losing between 250,000 to 300,000 hectares of forest annually, warning that if the trend continues, the country could face grave consequences for biodiversity and rural livelihoods. Bassey criticized the growing trend of carbon colonialism, where local communities are displaced for carbon credit projects.

Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the Emir of Nasarawa, echoed concerns about the nexus between illegal mining, forest exploitation, and insecurity, highlighting the need for transparent and accountable resource management. The conference underscored the importance of protecting ecological systems to ensure human security and sustainable livelihoods.