Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria and the Legal Response

Abstract

Forests are an integral part of life on the earth planet. Forests provide various ecosystem services for human well-being but deforestation is a threat to its sustainability.   Deforestation is one of the known causes of biodiversity loss and a global environmental problem. Virtually all the countries of the world face the challenges of deforestation because of the much reliance placed on the forests by the growing population for one benefit or the other. Nigeria as a nation is also a victim of deforestation. Deforestation poses a significant threat to biodiversity conservation in Nigeria, with far reaching consequences for the environment, wildlife, and human well-being. Nigeria as a country has made concerted efforts to curb the menace of deforestation for sustainable development for her present and future generations. However, the onslaught of deforestation is still witnessed at an alarming rate.  This paper seeks to examine the impact of deforestation on biodiversity in Nigeria, highlighting the causes, effects, and the legal responses in combating deforestation. The work reveals that deforestation leads to habitat loss, species extinction, and ecosystem disruption, compromising Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. The legal framework, though existing, is inadequate and poorly enforced, necessitating a robust legal response to address the crisis. The paper recommends strengthening legislation, enhancing enforcement, and promoting sustainable forest management practices to mitigate the devastating impacts of deforestation on biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.