Nigeria faces an ongoing challenge with tree cover loss, as the latest data indicates a single fire incident in the Borno region on November 26, 2024. Over the past two decades, the country 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 the predominant driver, responsible for the majority of the tree cover loss, followed by urbanization, which also plays a significant role.
The impact of these losses is profound, considering Nigeria's total area of over 90 million hectares, with tree cover extending to just over 10 million hectares. The loss of tree cover not only affects biodiversity and habitat but also has implications for climate change, as trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The data reveals a concerning trend, with the highest annual loss recorded in 2017, amounting to over 171,000 hectares.
Explore country profileAs the country continues to confront these environmental challenges, the incident in Borno serves as a reminder of the persistent threat of wildfires to Nigeria's already diminishing tree cover. The ongoing situation underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to manage land use and mitigate the impacts of urbanization and agriculture on the country's forests.
