World Bank To Support Nigeria Turn Forests Into Economic Hub – Environment Minister

The Nigerian Minister of Environment has revealed the intention of World Bank to provide support for the Nigerian government in turning the country’s forests to economic hubs.
The Minister also said the support from the World Bank is to address the fundamental issues of coastal management and the likes of it.

He disclosed this during a visit by World Bank team in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
The World Bank team was led by Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, and Chakib Jenane, Regional Director for West and Central Africa on ACReSAL Project.

“The issue of insecurity around the forests can be curbed by making the forests economic hubs where activities and infrastructures would take place to forestall the activities of bandits, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said on Monday’’. “(World Bank officials) are here to assist us in trying to address this, looking at the forest far beyond just a forest, looking at forest and seeing it as an economic hub where people can make a living out of, not just going in to cut trees”, he stated.

He added that the support from the World Bank would enable Nigeria to sustain and expand its forests. According to him, all hands are on deck to address the issues of forest.

“The World Bank is going to support us create communities around the coastal areas through our framework.  “The coastlines are Lagos to Calabar where we would collaborate with these states governors,’’ the minister said. Lawal assured that the issues of logging among others would be tackled as there must be a balance between cultivation and forest.

The minister commended the present administration for the creation of blue economy saying it was the first of its kind in the history of the country. Discussions between the Minister and officials of the World Bank centred on enhancing support for critical projects in forestry, afforestation, reforestation, and coastal development.

The World Bank praised Nigeria’s 40% progress on the ACReSAL project, a key initiative under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and recognized the Honourable Minister’s role as Chairman of the ACReSAL Steering Committee. These efforts are driving Nigeria toward a greener and more sustainable future.

The ACReSAL Project tackles land degradation and climate change in 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory.