The Federal Government has imposed a nationwide ban on the exportation of wood and allied products as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s forests and strengthen climate action.
The directive is contained in a Presidential Executive Order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and gazetted on October 16, 2025.
The policy was formally presented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the 18th National Council on Environment meeting in Katsina State.
According to the government, the ban is aimed at curbing illegal logging, halting deforestation and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Lawal said Nigeria’s forests play a critical role in environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, livelihoods and climate change mitigation, warning that unchecked timber exports worsen environmental degradation.
The order is backed by Sections 17(2) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate the state to protect land, forests and wildlife.
All existing licences and permits for wood extraction and export have been suspended nationwide.
