By YUSUF KOLAWOLE
African wisdom teaches that “He who guards the forest today preserves the wealth of generations yet unborn.” This timeless proverb encapsulates the strategic importance of securing Nigeria’s forests, not merely as ecological assets but as pillars of economic sustainability and national prosperity. In a country blessed with vast forest reserves and abundant natural resources, the safety and proper management of these forests have far-reaching implications for agriculture, education, mining, transportation, and overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Another proverb aptly states, “When the forest is safe, the farms prosper, the rivers flow freely, and the people sleep in peace.” Security and development are inseparable twins. Where forests are peaceful and free from criminal activities, economic activities flourish, investment grows, and communities experience stability. Conversely, insecurity in forest regions creates a chain reaction of economic losses that extends far beyond the immediate areas affected.
Agriculture: Securing the Nation’s Food Basket
Agriculture contributes approximately one-quarter of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and employs millions of citizens. However, persistent banditry and insurgency in forested regions have forced thousands of farmers to abandon their lands. States such as Benue, Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina, once known for abundant food production, have witnessed reduced agricultural output due to insecurity.
