As of recent years Nigeria has experienced the highest deforestation rates globally. In just five years Nigeria lost over 55% of their primary forests, as a result of logging, subsistence agriculture, urban planning and palm oil production - highlighting the need to help save these landscapes immediately. 

Nigerian Governments have little control over what happens to the forest, with many international NGO's taking over and carrying out activities needed to support their economic values. There are currently no laws or policies in place to stop the cutting down of trees, as well as little regulation by authorities other than in designated national parks or protected areas. Adding to this, illegal logging is accountable for large amounts of deforestation, which is often as a result of gangs who are highly dangerous and have little regard for the environment around them. 

Deforestation has recently been linked to the spread of pandemics, including COVID-19. Due to many new viruses originating from animal, much like Coronavirus, rainforests globally are a breeding ground for these diseases as a result of a large number of species inhabiting there. Deforestation results in humans living in closer proximity, as a result of urbanisation being one of the activities resulting in forest loss. With the proposed building of a superhighway through the forest, this is only likely to result in increased building of infrastructure to link up urban areas across the country. 

As well as the immediate threat to the trees itself, deforestation results in the loss of habitats and extinction of species that inhabit there. Nigeria is home to a number of endemic species, as well as many of the big 5 threatened of extinction. Many of these species include the Cross River Gorilla, Forest and Savannah Elephant and the African Lion. 

We need to stop the loss of precious habitats and species globally through the stop of deforestation. By signing this petition you are helping to highlight the importance in the hope of the Nigerian Governments and Authorities seeing this and taking action. A world without forest would result in severe destruction and loss of vital habitats. Without your help future generations will not see the beauty of these ecosystems and many species will become a distant memory.

Signing the following petition will also help in attracting attention and stop the action of clearing the forest for the building of the 260km long highway. 

https://www.rainforest-rescue.org/petitions/1045/nigeria-we-will-defend-our-mother-earth