Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, who represents Osun Central District at the Senate, is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment. He is also the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Trade & Investment. In this interview with Toba Adedeji, he speaks about President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in creating jobs for youths and other issues. Excerpts
What efforts do you think President Bola Tinubu’s approval and establishment of the National Forest Guards will have on the National Park Service?
Let me first congratulate and commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), for this bold and historic step in establishing the National Forest Guards. It is a landmark decision that will change the way we manage and secure our forests. The creation of the National Forest Guards under the National Park Service, which falls directly under the purview of my committee, demonstrates the President’s visionary leadership and his commitment to both security and environmental sustainability.
I must also emphasise that the National Forest Guards should remain under the supervision of the Senate Committee on Environment. Globally, forest security is not treated as a purely policing matter, but as part of environmental and conservation management. If you place them under the police, they risk being constrained by bureaucracy and may even be lost in the wider debate about state policing reforms. But as a standalone institution, they can be more innovative, flexible, and technology-driven in their operations. This is a global best practice, and Nigeria must follow suit.
What are the major benefits of this new initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda?
The benefits are enormous. First, the National Forest Guards will strengthen the protection of our forests, which are vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. For years, our forests have been threatened by illegal loggers, poachers, and criminal elements using them as hideouts. Now, we have a dedicated and professional structure to secure them.
Secondly, the employment benefit cannot be overstated. This initiative will directly create well over 50,000 jobs for indigenous local people across the country. These men and women, who know their terrain better than anyone else, will now be empowered and gainfully employed to safeguard their environment. That is true grassroots empowerment.
Thirdly, as a standalone structure with modern training and flexibility, the Forest Guards will be able to explore technology-driven solutions such as drone surveillance, GPS tracking, and early-warning systems to detect illegal activities. This would not be possible if they were submerged under another security structure with a different mandate.
Lastly, it complements our national security strategy. Forests have long served as hideouts for insurgents and bandits. By securing these areas, we are not only protecting the environment but also closing one of the major gaps in our fight against insecurity.
How do you assess the efforts of the President and our security services in recent times?
I must commend Mr. President and our gallant security agencies. The successes recorded in the past months are very encouraging. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we have witnessed the capture of the Ansaru terrorist leader and the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders in the North-West. Today, Kaduna State, which was once a flashpoint of violence and insecurity, is experiencing a level of peace and calm not seen in recent years.
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These results show that the government’s approach is working. By adding the National Forest Guards to our security architecture, we are reinforcing this progress and addressing one of the root enablers of insecurity: ungoverned forest spaces.
Beyond the Forest Guards, what innovative steps is your Committee taking to address environmental concerns for Nigerians, both in rural and urban communities?
This is a very important question. Our Committee is focused on improving the daily environmental realities of Nigerians wherever they live. For our rural communities, we are promoting sustainable agricultural practices, clean water access, and forest conservation programs that directly improve livelihoods. For our urban centres, we are working on policies that tackle waste management, flooding, and clean air initiatives.
We are also exploring innovative financing and public-private partnerships that will allow us to scale renewable energy projects, support climate-smart housing, and integrate green technology into city planning. The goal is to ensure that, whether you live in a village or a metropolitan city, you can feel the positive impact of environmental governance.
We know young people are increasingly vocal about climate change and environmental issues. How does your Committee plan to engage them?
Indeed, our youth are the strongest voices in the climate and environmental space, and we must carry them along. As a Committee, we are committed to being innovative in how we engage them. One of our plans is to introduce technology-enhanced platforms where young Nigerians can make submissions, share ideas, and be part of the policy-making process.
This will be inclusive, transparent, and interactive—allowing youths from every part of the country, not just Abuja, to have a voice. By doing so, we are not only listening but creating a sense of ownership and partnership. The environment belongs to future generations, and we must make them central to our work today.
How will the Senate Committee ensure inclusivity and accountability in the implementation of the National Forest Guards?
We are very mindful of this responsibility. Inclusivity means ensuring that recruitment into the Forest Guards reflects local ownership—indigenous people in each region will be prioritised, because they know their environment best. We will also ensure gender inclusivity, opening opportunities for women to serve in this important initiative.
On accountability, the Committee will strengthen oversight mechanisms. We will work closely with the National Park Service, civil society, and community leaders to ensure the Guards are effective, transparent, and free from abuse. We will also push for the integration of technology that allows communities to report issues and monitor outcomes in real-time.
This is how we will build trust and ensure the Guards deliver on their mandate.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, what message do you have for Nigerians regarding this development?
My message is simple: the establishment of the National Forest Guards is a collective victory for Nigeria. It is about securing our environment, empowering our youth, protecting biodiversity, and supporting our national security.
I want Nigerians to understand that this initiative will only succeed if it remains a standalone body under the supervision of the National Assembly through the Senate Committee on Environment. That is the only way it can be innovative, flexible, and responsive to global best practices in forest management and security.
Above all, I once again commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his foresight and decisive leadership. With the Forest Guards, Nigeria is setting a new standard for environmental security in Africa. We will continue to engage the media to share our vision for a safer, greener, and more sustainable Nigeria.