Ogun Moves to Boost IGR Through Eucalyptus Plantation

The Ogun State Government has commenced plans to develop eucalyptus plantations as part of efforts to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and attract investment into the forestry sector.

The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this in a statement, saying the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with forestry stakeholders and Huafa Forest Resources Development of Nigeria Co. Ltd.

According to him, the programme will involve the cultivation of eucalyptus seedlings across the state’s forest reserves, with charcoal dealers, timber contractors, farmers and other forestry operators encouraged to participate.

Oludotun said eucalyptus offers economic opportunities because of its relatively short maturity period, estimated at about four to five years. He added that its wood can be used for furniture, paper production and roofing, while its leaves can be processed for oil used in products such as mosquito repellents.

The commissioner said the initiative forms part of the ministry’s efforts to promote sustainable forest development while creating additional income opportunities for farmers and investors.

A Professor of Forestry and Conservation at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Segun Oladoye, also described eucalyptus as having significant economic potential, citing its fast growth and survival rate.

The state government expects the initiative to strengthen the forestry value chain, expand investment opportunities and contribute to revenue generation as commercial eucalyptus production develops across Ogun.

The eucalyptus plantation initiative is a developing government programme, and its actual impact on Ogun State’s IGR and investment inflow will depend on the scale of implementation, private-sector participation and the eventual commercial output of the plantations.