CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
- Study
Conservation and management of biodiversity resources in Nigeria has a relatively short history. The history of conservation and management of biodiversity resources in Nigeria began with the creation of the first forest reserve in Nigeria (Olakemeji Reserve) established near Ibadan around 19001. This was followed by the establishment of other forest reserves, in various parts of what forms the present day Nigeria. In these reserves, lumbering activities where made illegal. By 1908, a Forest Ordinance, promulgated by the colonial government gave protection to all commercial timber outside the reserves. Felling of timber therefore required government permit. In 1917, the first definitive government policy on forestry came into existence. In that year, the then Governor General, Lord Lugard, stated that each province of the country must reserve a minimum of 25% of its forests2. To combat the problem of bush burning, a forest ordinance was enacted in 1937, which made it illegal to set fire to reserves. This was followed by the Bush Burning Order of 1940, introduced to control bush burning outside the reserves3.