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20 Jan 2025

Nigeria Faces Escalating Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Niger Region
Nigeria Faces Escalating Tree Cover Loss with Recent Fire Incident in Niger Region

In a concerning environmental development, Nigeria has experienced a significant tree cover loss over the past two decades, with the latest incident reported in the Niger region. Data indicates a troubling trend of deforestation, primarily driven by shifting agriculture, which accounts for a substantial portion of the tree cover loss. Urbanization also contributes to the decline, albeit to a lesser extent.

The total area of tree cover loss in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, with an overall net loss of approximately 1.47 million hectares, marking a negative change of around 6.07% in the country's tree cover. Shifting agriculture remains the predominant cause, followed by urban expansion. Wildfires and forestry activities have had a lesser impact, yet they still contribute to the overall reduction of tree cover.

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The most recent fire incident, occurring on January 20, 2025, adds to the series of environmental challenges Nigeria faces. This incident, while isolated, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat to the nation's forests and the need for concerted efforts to manage land use effectively and mitigate further loss.

The loss of tree cover not only has implications for biodiversity and ecosystems but also for the climate, as trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The cumulative effect of these losses over time is a significant concern for environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations.

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