The Federal Government has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products, revoking all previously issued licences and permits across the country.
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.
Lawal said the directive is contained in a Presidential Executive Order titled “Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025,” and was introduced to curb rising cases of illegal logging and deforestation nationwide.
“Nigeria’s forests are central to environmental sustainability, providing clean air and water, supporting livelihoods, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change,” the minister said.
He warned that continued exportation of wood and related products threatens these benefits and poses serious risks to the long-term health of the environment and forest ecosystems.
The order was published in the Extraordinary Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette No. 180, Vol. 112 of 16 October 2025, and draws authority from Sections 17(2) and 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
These constitutional provisions empower the state to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, and to prevent the exploitation of natural resources for private gain at the expense of the public interest.
Under the new policy, security agencies and relevant ministries are expected to enforce a clampdown on illegal logging, transportation, and export activities across all states.
Opening the council meeting, Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal Jobe, highlighted the state’s history of pioneering socio-economic policies.
He stressed the need for cooperation among authorities to tackle environmental challenges.
“Environmental sustainability is critical to achieving growth and improving the quality of life of our people,” Jobe said.
“Our administration has prioritised initiatives aimed at combating desertification and promoting afforestation,” he added.
