FG pioneers bamboo factory in Kogi, seven other States

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the development of a bamboo processing factory in Kogi State.

This he said was part of efforts to provide alternatives to tree felling and promote sustainable forest use.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 7th edition of the 2025 ministerial media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister bamboo offers alternative viable substitute for trees as a source of cooking fuel and other products.

According to him, bamboo became the choice because its a grass, but gtows as a tree, noting that whatever a tree can do do, bamboo can also do the same thing.

“The Ministry has commenced implementation of a Bamboo development factory in Kogi State to promote Bamboo and Rattan Economy in Nigeria in line with the diversification drive of the Renewed Hope Administration.

“Feasibility studies for the development of seven more Bamboo factories are ongoing in Ogun, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Edo, Benue, Ekiti and Taraba States.

“The Department of Forestry had recently received and handed over 11 20-feet containers of logs (semi-processed wood) that were intercepted and confiscated by the Nigeria Customs Service.”

He stated that the government has launched the agroforestry projects and other initiatives to integrate agriculture into forests across the nation.

He further said the National Agency for the Great Green Wall is implementing afforestation, reforestation and sustainable land management projects in the 11 frontline northern states in the Sahel region affected by the encroachment of the Sahara.

He added, “The major achievements of the agency include raising 3,850,000 Neem seedlings for the establishment of Plant Nurseries in the 11 NAGGW frontline states to provide medicinal raw materials; establishment of 175km shelterbelt in Borno, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and Jigawa States; conducted vocational trainings and empowerment programs for youth and women in the 11 frontline states in the country; raised 5 million seedlings of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) for planting across the NAGGW 11 frontline States in 2025 planting season for Value Chain development due to its potential in income generation;

“The agency has also established five skill acquisition centres in Bauchi, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and Yobe State where soap and perfume making are being taught as well as animal rearing; distributed 5253 mini solar systems in various communities across the 11 frontline states; and constructed 4602 solar street lights, and distributed 6600 improved super-saver cooking stoves and 130 solar powered pumps to discourage deforestation and encourage Agroforestry farming especially in rural communities.”