DG CEO FRIN official updates

*Forestry Panel Conducts Technical Visit to FRIN*

The Forestry Panel, mandated by the National Agricultural Curriculum Review Committee, today conducted a technical visit to the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) to assess skill gaps in forestry education.

Led by Dr. Boni, Provost of Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka, Kaduna, and Mr. Oladipupo O. Bello, Director of Curriculum Development at NBTE, Kaduna, the team aimed to identify mismatches between industry needs and graduate skills. "Our mandate is to visit industries and institutions to assess and identify skill gaps," Bello said.

The team administered questionnaires to FRIN staff in the field and related field and toured various departments in FRIN.
Prof. Kehinde Solomon emphasized the need for technology upgrades and funding for practical training. The visit is part of a nationwide Skills Gap Analysis survey that will help in developing a competence-based, industry-aligned forestry curriculum review and training.

The delegation, including Sumaila Tanko, Engr. Bashir Datti, Dr. Fortune Onwumere, Dr Tesleem Bello and Alfa Jerry also visited Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan.

FRIN's Director-General, and Chief Executive Officer, Zacharia B. Yaduma, Ph.D expressed his gratitude for the visit and assured Institute's full support.
In attendance were Management staff of FRIN and the Provost, Federal College of Forestry Ibadan, Dr Ibraheem Lawal.

The outcome is expected to contribute to staff training, producing graduates equipped for modern agricultural systems and inform curriculum updates.

*MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL, RECEIVES A COMPREHENSIVE PRESENTATION ON KEY ACTIVITIES AND THE 2026 WORK PLAN*

The Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management (EFCZM) Department, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, presented the department’s key activities and work plan to the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbass Lawal. The presentation highlighted the department’s mandate, achievements, ongoing programmes, and future strategies aimed at addressing erosion, flooding, and coastal degradation across Nigeria.
The EFCZM Department is tasked with implementing environmental policies related to erosion, flood control, and coastal and riverbank management. Its core responsibility includes coordinating and executing programmes designed to prevent land degradation, reduce flooding risks, and promote sustainable environmental practices nationwide.

Over the years, the department has made significant progress in policy development. Notably, it reviewed and validated the National Erosion and Flood Control Policy (2025), alongside its technical guidelines and action plan. These documents clearly define the roles of federal, state, and local governments, as well as other stakeholders in tackling erosion and flood challenges. Additionally, the department has initiated the development of the National Flood Insurance Policy to provide financial protection against flood-related disasters.
In terms of programmes and projects, the department continues to implement several strategic initiatives. The Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) has been instrumental in predicting and monitoring flood events across the country, providing early warnings to communities and authorities. The department also collaborates with international partners such as the World Bank under programmes like the West Africa Coastal Area (WACA) Management Programme and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-EIB) has transitioned into a new phase focused on infrastructure development, building on earlier successes in erosion control and watershed management.

The department also oversees capital and zonal intervention projects across all 36 states, with 162 projects completed in 2024 alone. These projects aim to protect lives and property, restore degraded lands, and improve socio-economic conditions in affected communities.
Despite these achievements, the department faces several challenges, including inadequate funding, insufficient equipment, limited monitoring vehicles, and the need for continuous staff training to address emerging environmental issues.
Looking ahead, the EFCZM Department has outlined key measures to strengthen its operations. These include expanding flood early warning systems, updating national flood risk maps, enhancing public awareness campaigns, promoting integrated water management strategies, and finalizing critical policy frameworks such as the National Flood Insurance Policy and Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy.
In conclusion, the department remains committed to implementing both structural and non-structural solutions to mitigate erosion and flooding across Nigeria. With sustained collaboration, improved funding, and strategic planning, it aims to safeguard lives, protect the environment, and support national development

*MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT RECEIVES PRESENTATION ON FORESTRY DEPARTMENT ’s ACHIEVEMENTS, CHALLENGES, AND 2026 WORKPLAN*

The Director of Forestry, Halima Bawa-Bwari, presented a comprehensive briefing to the Minister of Environment, outlining the Department’s key activities, achievements, and strategic workplan for 2026.

She traced the evolution of forestry administration in Nigeria, from its early beginnings in 1895 to the establishment of the current Department of Forestry under the Federal Ministry of Environment in 1999. The Department’s vision remains to achieve 25% forest cover across Nigeria through sustainable management, while its mission focuses on sound forestry practices, policy development, and community engagement.
Highlighting major achievements, the Director noted progress in combating wildlife trafficking, including the seizure of endangered species in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria’s active participation in global platforms such as CITES and the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission. She also emphasized Nigeria’s growing international role, including its position as Co-Chair of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, and advancements in biodiversity conservation through the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2030).

Other milestones include the expansion of elephant monitoring sites, submission of key national reports to international conventions, development of a forest carbon market framework, and strengthened partnerships on climate and conservation initiatives.
Despite these gains, the Department faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, poor power and ICT infrastructure, security concerns, staff shortages, and limited inter-agency coordination. Outstanding financial obligations to international environmental agreements were also highlighted as a major concern.

Looking ahead, the 2026 workplan prioritizes initiatives such as the national tree planting campaign, implementation of key forestry and wildlife legislation, strengthening international cooperation agreements, launching the Net Zero Nature Positive Project, and enhancing forest monitoring systems. The Department also plans to promote nursery development, expand conservation areas, and deepen collaboration with development partners.
The presentation reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience as critical pillars for Nigeria’s environment.

FRIN Lays Out Mandates and Challenges to New Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary -

FRIN Lays Out Mandates and Challenges to New Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary - NewsWorth Online By Danjuma Amodu | March 27, 2026 The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has taken a significant step to align its goals with the new leadership of the Federal Ministry of Environment. According to a statement issued by Idara Umoh-Ido, Media Aide to the Director General of FRIN, Zacharia....

The DG/CEO-FRIN, Zacharia B.Yaduma, Ph.D also met with Dr. Peter Ayim, a Cooperative Development Consultant, to advance the development of forest cooperatives as a strategic tool for promoting community participation, sustainable forest management, and improved livelihoods.

This initiative aligns with national priorities on environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
This engagement underscores FRIN’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity while empowering communities through innovative and sustainable forestry practices.
Staff of the FRIN liaison office, Abuja were also in attendance during the engagement.

*FRIN DG/CEO Engages NITAD Leadership on Strategic Partnership in Abuja*

The Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Zacharia B. Yaduma, PhD , yestertoday held a strategic meeting with the President of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), Mr.James Bulus, alongside other executive members of his team in Abuja.
The meeting focused on exploring areas of collaboration between FRIN and NITAD, particularly in the areas of capacity building, professional training, and human resource development. This engagement underscores FRIN’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing staff development through strategic partnerships with relevant professional bodies.
According to FRIN's Liason Officer, Abuja Dr Christopher Nwadike, the discussions also highlighted the importance of structured training frameworks, knowledge exchange, and continuous professional development as key drivers for organizational growth and national development.
The visit marks a significant step towards fostering a mutually beneficial relationship that will enhance efficiency, innovation, and service delivery within the Institute.
In attendance were staff of the Abuja Liaison office.

*FRIN and Lagos State Partner on Bamboo Innovation*

The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has welcomed a delegation of architects from the Office of Works, Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, marking a significant step towards sustainable construction practices in Nigeria.

The event, which took place on Monday, 23rd March 2026, had the research team led by their Deputy Director, Arc. Ranole, who had been researching alternative construction materials. They identified bamboo as a viable option and found FRIN via the Internet to be a leading expert in the field.

During their visit, FRIN Director-General, Zacharia B. Yaduma, Ph.D, affirmed the institute's commitment to collaborating with the Lagos State government on bamboo production and utilization.

"Bamboo is more durable than iron," Yaduma said, highlighting FRIN's expertise in the area. He showcased the institute's bamboo-based products, including cups and cutlery used in Dilishoz restaurant, FRIN.

The visit included discussions with FRIN experts, including Dr. Ademola, Head of the Forest Products Development and Utilization department, Dr. Ojo, a bamboo production specialist and other FRIN experts in the area. . The team also toured FRIN's facilities to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Some FRIN management staff were also present.

This partnership is expected to promote the use of sustainable, locally sourced materials in construction, supporting Nigeria's development goals and reducing reliance on imported materials.

*AFRIMAB GENERAL ASSEMBLY KICKS OFF IN ZAMBIA*

The 8th AfriMAB General Assembly is underway in Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Livingstone, Zambia, bringing together representatives from African National Committees of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and biosphere reserve managers. The event, themed "Harnessing Africa's Natural Resources Through Ecosystem-Friendly Technologies," aims to explore innovative approaches to sustainable resource use, particularly in mining and quarrying activities.
The assembly's objectives include defining priorities and strategies for implementing the Hangzhou MAB Strategic Action Plan in African biosphere reserves over the next decade. During the assembly, the Key discussion points cover governance and policy frameworks, restoration and ecosystem-friendly technologies, and community engagement and resilience.
The event which takes place on the 9th to 13th of March 2026 is hosted by the Ministry of Technology and Science, Government of the Republic of Zambia, in collaboration with the Zambian National Commission for UNESCO, UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and UNESCO MAB Secretariat.

Speaking during the official opening, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati.

Mr Sikumba welcomed delegates to Zambia and expressed appreciation for the decision to host the Assembly in Livingstone, located near the world-renowned Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya.

He said Zambia remains committed to protecting its natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and responsible resource management.
Mr Sikumba said Africa’s rapidly growing population makes it increasingly important to adopt innovative approaches that support food production, sustainable land use and ecosystem conservation.

Among the priorities highlighted were the responsible use of natural resources, the adoption of ecosystem-friendly technologies and the strengthening of natural capital accounting to better understand the value of Africa’s environmental assets.

Mr Sikumba cited the Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve as an example of Zambia’s commitment to sustainable resource management, noting that the reserve demonstrates how conservation efforts can support biodiversity while improving community livelihoods.

He also called for stronger regional cooperation and greater involvement of young people, describing Africa’s youth as a key driver of innovation in environmental protection
Mr Sikumba cited the Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve as an example of Zambia’s commitment to sustainable resource management, noting that the reserve demonstrates how conservation efforts can support biodiversity while improving community livelihoods.

The Director-General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN Zacharia B. Yaduma Ph.D who is the Chair, Focal Point for MAB National Committee in Nigeria presented the National Report on the implementation of Man and Biosphere program in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 8th AfriMAB General Assembly in Zambia, the DG-FRIN, Zacharia B. Yaduma, Ph.D highlighted Nigeria's achievements, including ecological restoration of degraded areas in Omo and Oban Biosphere Reserves, and biodiversity business initiatives in Omo, Oban, and Shere Hills Reserves.
Yaduma stated some notable achievements to include: training of 4,700 beneficiaries in green economy and biodiversity business concepts, establishing biodiversity businesses in Omo, Oban, and Shere Hills Reserves, and designating Shere Hills as a Biosphere Reserve. He stressed that the MAB Youth Network has also been inaugurated.
In his statement, Nigeria's national priorities include: strengthening policy and legal frameworks, promoting sustainability of biosphere reserves, and supporting ecological research. These efforts align with the Lima Action Plan and Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan.

Meanwhile, outgoing AfriMAB Bureau Chair, Telesphore Ngonga of Rwanda, commended the Zambian Government and the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO for hosting the Assembly.

Mr Ngonga said that since the 7th General Assembly held in Rwanda three years ago, the AfriMAB network has expanded its work from policy dialogue to practical ecosystem restoration initiatives across the continent.

These initiatives include support for the Great Green Wall in the Sahel region, restoration of mountain ecosystems in East Africa and mangrove rehabilitation along West Africa’s coastlines.

He said the network has also strengthened the integration of indigenous knowledge systems in conservation programmes and promoted cooperation among transboundary biosphere reserves.

However, he cautioned that challenges remain, including limited funding for conservation activities, security concerns in protected areas and increasing human-wildlife conflicts.

Also speaking at the Assembly, Cyprian Katongo outlined the importance of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, which was established in 1971 to improve the relationship between people and their natural environment.

Professor Katongo noted that the global network of biosphere reserves now includes more than 780 sites in 136 countries, supporting nearly 300 million people while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

He explained that Zambia’s Kafue Flats Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2022, covers approximately 2.6 million hectares and supports unique wildlife species, including the endemic Kafue lechwe.

Meanwhile, Moira Ng’uni, Senior Programme Officer for Communications at the Zambia National Commission for UNESCO, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to responsible natural resource governance.

She said the country plans to expand its network of biosphere reserves by identifying additional ecological sites that can support biodiversity conservation and inclusive economic growth.

Ms Ng’uni also highlighted several initiatives being implemented through UNESCO partnerships, including youth communication programmes, community-based environmental awareness campaigns and projects aimed at strengthening climate resilience.

Other delegates from Nigeria are, the Conservator General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, Prof. Tayo Oyelowo, Desk Officer, MAB Secretariat, FRIN, Mr. Bello Nuhu, National Park Service and Ms Ofure Blessed Aikhakhomon, UNESCO, Abuja Office.
With these remarkable achievements, Nigeria is making waves in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

*DG-FRIN Shines at Boys' Brigade Investiture and Installation Ceremony*

The Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Zacharia B.Yaduma (PhD), who is a National Patron of Boys' Brigade Nigeria, yesterday attended the Investiture and installation ceremony of Rt. Hon. Olaniyan Babatunde David as Oyo State President of the organization. The event, held at Saint Paul Anglican Church, Yemetun, Ibadan, was a triple celebration, also marking the induction of National Patrons and the appointment of the Executive Council of Oyo State Council of Boys' Brigade.

The DG-FRIN , Yaduma (PhD) was accompanied by his beloved wife, adding to the star-studded guest list that showcased the commitment of leaders to youth development and the values of the Boys' Brigade organization.