Nigeria has experienced a significant decline in tree cover over the past two decades. The latest incident, a fire alert in the Niger region on November 16, 2024, underscores the ongoing environmental challenges the country faces. Analysis of historical data reveals that Nigeria's tree cover loss has been primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounted for the majority of the loss, followed by urbanization. The country's total area spans over 90 million hectares, with approximately 11% covered by trees. However, the net change in tree cover has been negative, with a 6.07% decrease, indicating a loss of over 2.30 million hectares and a gain of just under 928,000 hectares.
The trend shows a concerning pattern of deforestation, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2017, amounting to over 171,000 hectares. This loss has not only impacted the landscape but also contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with shifting agriculture being the largest emitter. The absence of wildfires as a reported driver suggests that human activities are the predominant cause of tree cover reduction in Nigeria.
Explore country profileThe implications of this trend are far-reaching, affecting biodiversity, climate regulation, and local communities. The recent fire incident, though small in scale, is a reminder of the potential for more significant environmental damage if current trends continue. The data calls for increased awareness and strategic measures to manage and mitigate tree cover loss in Nigeria.
