Between 2001 and 2023, Nigeria has seen a net change in tree cover characterized by a loss of approximately 2.40 million hectares, a gain of around 927,800 hectares, and a disturbance affecting about 1.20 million hectares. This has resulted in a net loss of nearly 1.50 million hectares, equating to a 6.07% decrease in tree cover from the stable baseline.
The most recent incident data from 2025 shows a fire alert in the Taraba region of Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing challenges the country faces in managing and preserving its forests. The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and ecosystems but also has broader implications for climate change, as forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
The data underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the drivers of tree cover loss in Nigeria. While the challenges are significant, understanding the trends and drivers behind this loss is a critical step towards developing strategies to mitigate the impact and protect Nigeria's remaining forests for future generations.
