NNPP Presidential Candidate Kwankwaso Spotted at Presidential Villa Summit

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), made a notable appearance at the Presidential Villa’s Banquet Hall on Monday, drawing attention at the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025.

Kwankwaso Attends High-Profile Economic Summit

The opposition leader participated in the event organized by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), though he maintained a low profile throughout the proceedings. Observers noted that Kwankwaso neither delivered a speech nor engaged with journalists covering the summit.

Vice President Raises Alarm Over Nigeria’s Forest Crisis

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s deteriorating forest resources during the summit. The VP described the situation as an “economic emergency” requiring immediate action.

“More than 90 percent of Nigeria’s original forest cover has been depleted, and we’re losing over 400,000 hectares annually,” Shettima stated. He emphasized that this environmental crisis carries severe economic consequences for the nation.

Nigeria’s Untapped Forest Potential

The Vice President highlighted the immense economic value locked within Nigeria’s forest resources, noting their importance for biodiversity, timber production, medicinal plants, and climate resilience. He pointed to successful models in other countries that Nigeria could emulate:

• Vietnam earns over $15 billion annually from forest exports
• Brazil’s Amazon contributes 15% of national GDP from forest resources
• Ethiopia created 350,000 jobs through reforestation initiatives

“Nigeria should not only replicate these successes but lead Africa’s forest industrialization,” Shettima urged summit attendees.

Private Sector Offers Technological Solutions

Dr. Sadiq Sani, Founder/CEO of Netzence Sustainability Limited, presented technological solutions to unlock what he estimated as over $2 billion in potential value within Nigeria’s forest sector. The company specializes in sustainable forest management through innovative technological applications.

Political Significance of Kwankwaso’s Appearance

Political analysts noted the significance of Kwankwaso’s presence at the presidential event, speculating about potential implications for Nigeria’s political landscape. The NNPP leader’s quiet participation at an administration-sponsored summit has sparked discussions about possible future engagements between opposition figures and the current government.

The summit concluded with calls for immediate action to address forest depletion while developing sustainable economic models for Nigeria’s natural resources. Participants emphasized the need for public-private partnerships and technological innovation to transform the sector.

Full credit to the original publisher: Daily Trust