By Ephraim Oseji

THE CEO, DAS Energy Services Limited, Chief Sunny Onuesoke has commended the Federal Government ban of exportation of wood and allied products  as big win for Nigeria’s environment describing the development as a bold and timely decision of President Tinubu’s administration.

Recall that as part of efforts to avert an environmental crisis, the Federal Government has declared an immediate nationwide ban on the exportation of wood and allied products. To demonstrate its seriousness, the government has also declared all previously issued licences and permits for wood extraction and exportation suspended and invalid with immediate effect.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, unveiled the directive, titled ‘Presidential Executive Order on the Prohibition of Exportation of Wood and Allied Products, 2025,’ during the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment held in Katsina State.

Onuesoke who spoke to journalists on the sideline during the event in Katsina  said  the ban is commendable because it prioritizes sustainability over short-term gains, adding that   its success depends entirely on enforcement, support for local processors and alternative livelihoods for communities that depend on logging.

“Big win for Nigeria’s environment!  The Federal Government’s decision to ban wood export and revoke licences will help curb illegal logging and protect our forests. This move shows commitment to sustainable development and conservation of our forest,” he noted.

Onuesoke who has been on the forefront in the campaign against wood logging and deforestation called on the state governors to curb illegal logging, just as he advised that the Federal Government should hold governors whose states are still involve in wooding logging responsible.

“The Federal Government could say no wood should pass through the ports or border  into the country. Right now, it is now left for  the sub-national head  especially  the Governors to implement not alone curbing  the exportation,  but the illegal cutting and deforestation of our forest.  It is now the duty of the sub-national head who are the Governors to implement a very stringent restricted law concerning illegal logging which is deforestation,” he stated.

Recall that Onuesoke in his past publications has condemned the rate at which forest resources are being depleted for food crop cultivation, lumbering, sand excavation, road construction and fuel wood exploitation among others.

While enumerating on the importance of forest, the former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant  noted that  apart from timber resources, tropical rain forest is very rich in variety of plant, animal products that provide food, energy, medicine, shelter, recreational facilities  and climate change.  He added that it equally plays important roles in the amelioration of weather conditions and patterns, protection of soil and food crops among others. He, however lamented that the valuable goods, services and benefits provided by the tropical forest  are being  threatened by deforestation.