Ogun State targets eucalyptus cultivation to boost revenue

The Ogun State Government has launched an initiative to cultivate eucalyptus plantations to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and stimulate investment in the forestry sector. In collaboration with Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd., the state plans to plant eucalyptus seedlings across forest reserves.

Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun noted that eucalyptus is an attractive investment due to its short maturity period of four to five years. The wood has various commercial uses, including furniture, paper production, and roofing, while the leaves can be processed into mosquito repellent oil. John Yi of Huafa Forest Resources stated that the company has the capacity to produce over eight million seedlings annually.

Complementing this economic drive, Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized tree planting as a collective responsibility to combat climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. The state continues to support national environmental objectives through investments in afforestation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture.