Tinubu Signs Presidential Executive Order Banning Export of Wood and Allied Products Nationwide

The Federal Government has officially unveiled a Presidential Executive Order prohibiting the exportation of wood, charcoal, and other allied forest products across Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting the country’s rapidly depleting forest resources.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Katsina by the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, who disclosed that President Bola Tinubu signed the directive titled “Presidential Executive Order on Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025.” With immediate effect, the order bans the export of wood and related products from any part of the country.

Abbas-Lawal made the revelation while attending the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), which was held under the theme “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crises: Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”

He explained that although the executive order was originally scheduled to be launched in Abuja, the Federal Government chose to unveil it at the NCE meeting due to its environmental significance.

The minister highlighted that forest resources in Nigeria fall largely under the jurisdiction of state governments, which are responsible for managing and controlling forests within their territories. He added that the Federal Government, however, oversees and manages national parks across the country.

According to the executive order, forest resources include all trees, vegetation, and associated biodiversity found within Nigeria’s forested areas. It also defines illegal logging as the unauthorized harvesting, transportation, processing, purchase, or sale of timber and other forest products in violation of Nigerian laws.

The Federal Government said the ban is part of broader efforts to curb deforestation, combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable environmental practices. Authorities are expected to work with state governments and relevant agencies to enforce the order and prevent illegal exploitation of forest resources.