Nigeria has introduced a comprehensive ban on the export of wood and allied products as part of a renewed strategy to curb illegal logging and deforestation, local media reported on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The policy, anchored in a presidential executive order, will see all previously issued export licences and permits revoked. The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State, north-western Nigeria.
Mr Lawal said the measure reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s forest resources, which he described as critical to environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and the protection of livelihoods. He added that security agencies have been instructed to enforce a total clampdown on illegal logging nationwide.
