Nigeria Battles Deforestation as Tree Cover Loss Persists, Recent Fire Alert Reported

Nigeria Battles Deforestation as Tree Cover Loss Persists, Recent Fire Alert Reported

Nigeria faces an ongoing challenge with deforestation, as recent data indicates a persistent loss of tree cover in the country. Over the past two decades, Nigeria has experienced a significant reduction in tree cover, with a net loss of approximately 1.47 million hectares, marking a 6.07% decrease in tree cover. Shifting agriculture has been identified as the primary driver of this loss, contributing to the majority of the deforestation.

The impact of urbanization is also notable, with the expansion of urban areas contributing to the reduction in tree cover. The data does not specify the extent of wildfires' contribution to tree cover loss, but a recent fire incident in the Niger region of Nigeria highlights the ongoing threat that fires pose to the remaining forested areas.