TOPIC FOUR: THE VEGETATION OF NIGERIA

4.1: What is Vegetation?

Vegetation means the plants which cover an area. Thus, when we talk about vegetation of Nigeria we are
talking about the type of plant covering the country. These plants are made up principally of trees and
grasses of various sizes and shapes.

Vegetation can be defined as a group of plants growing together in a particular habitat or environment
which possess a certain general physical appearance. The physical appearance is as a result of relative
proportions of different species of plant and the way in which the different species of plants are
arranged horizontally and vertically in space.

4.2: Description of Vegetation of Nigeria

There are two main types of vegetation of Nigeria: Forest and Savannahs.

i. Forest zone – This is the type which is dominated by woody plants called trees. These trees
grow so close together that their crowns touch one another completely covering the ground.
As a result of this cover it prevents most of rays of sun from reaching the ground thereby
grasses are either absent or few under the trees.
ii. Savannah zone – This is a type of vegetation in which the ground is covered by grasses
among which are some trees. In most cases such trees may grow close together to form
woodland or they may be far apart to form parkland.

The two main types can be further sub-divided into three (3) divisions each with the exception of
Montana Vegetation.

Under forest zone that consist of;

a. Salt water swamp forest b. Fresh water forest c. High forest

And for savannah zone that consist of;

a. Guinea savannah b. Sudan savannah c. Sahel savannah

And,

a. Montana vegetation.
i. Salt water swamp forest – It is called the salt water because it is found around the ocean
water that are salty and it can also be refers to as the Mangrove forest. This type of
vegetation is found on flat land which is affected by sea water and covers about thirty to fifty
kilometer (30-50km) along the coast. The vegetation is dominated by mangrove trees of
several species. The area is not widely cultivated except for swamp rice in places with non-
saline water.
 ii. Fresh water forest – This lies immediately inland of the mangrove forest slightly on a higher
ground. Therefore the swamp is fresh water swamp and fresh water plants such as raffia
palm which is much valued for the wine that is tapped from it and also for its leaves which
are used in craft industries. Fishing and fiber-making are important products.
iii. High forest or Tropical rain forest – This vegetation extends across the country from Benin
border to Oban hills. The high temperatures, high rainfall and a long rainy season combined
to favor plant growth throughout the year. This zone server as the major source of timber
and in the entire zone it is the one with the most valuable species of vegetation. It is also the
zone that reflects human activities the most. The economic crops include palm oil, cocoa etc.
while the food crops include yam, maize etc.
iv. Guinea savannah – This zone is the widest of the vegetation of Nigeria and the largest part
of the savannah zone. It is found in area with a mean annual rainfall between 1000 and
1500mm and a rainy season of six to eight (6-8) months. Vegetation is made up of tall
grasses and trees which vary in density from place to place. This zone contains trees that
shed their leaves during the dry season.
v. Sudan savannah – This covers areas where the mean annual rainfall ranges from 650 to
1000mm with a dry season about six to eight (6-8) months long. The vegetations consist of
short grasses and scattered trees which are shorter than those found further south. Trees in
this zone include the acacia, baobab etc. The Fulani roam about this zone in search for food
and water for their livestock.
vi. Sahel savannah – This is found in the extreme northeastern corner of the country where the
mean annual rainfall is less than 650mm and the dry season is longer than eight (8) months.
The vegetation covers are mainly grasses which are very sparse and short, the most
important tree is the acacia.
vii. Montana vegetation – This is a special type of vegetation found on the highlands such as Jos
Plateau and the eastern highlands. It consists of shorter grasses and fewer trees. The Fulani
who lives in this area turn the available fields into good pasture for grazing animals.

4.3: Factors responsible for variations in Vegetation of Nigeria

There are five (5) factors that control or account for the variations of vegetation in the country, these
include; climatic, physiographic, edaphic, biotic and anthropogenic factors.

These factors do not act independently of one another but rather interact to influence the vegetation.

i. Climatic factors – This is the most important control on vegetation variations. The two main
elements on which plant growth depends are rainfall and temperature, especially their
seasonal distribution. The rainfall determines the type of vegetation, for instance abundant
rainfall tends to produces much forest while little rainfall causes grasses and meager rainfall
results in desert like condition. Also low temperature tends to result in slower plant growth
and smaller size while higher temperature produces more luxuriant growth. Wind also
influences vegetation because it helps to remove the vapor transpired from the stomata of
plant.
 ii. Physiographic factors – The relief of the land surface affects vegetation. The important
elements of relief that affects vegetation are altitude, slope form and angle, slope and depth
of water table. On high altitudes such as mountain ranges there is a great diversity in the
vegetation as a result of rapid changes in climate, soil and ground drainage, therefore
vegetation varies with altitude.
iii. Edaphic factors – These are soil types, soil affects the rate of percolation of water for
instance sandy soils are loose and porous while clay soils do not allow easy percolation.
Hence sandy soils need more rainfall than clay soils to support forest vegetation therefore
the type of soil determines the type of plants that will be grown on a particular soil.
iv. Biotic factors – This refers to the activities of bacteria in consuming the dead tissue of larger
plants for instance the earthworms in the altering and aerating of the soil, the insects and
herbivorous animals which attack and consume plants, the insects which aid plants
pollination and the birds which are agents of seed dispersal.
v. Anthropogenic factors – This refers to the activities of humans. Man is the most dominant
factors influencing vegetation all over the world, his activities such as bush-burning,
cultivation, deforestation, grazing, mining and urbanization have affected the vegetation
cover adversely, but on the other hand man also influence vegetations positively through
afforestation and has also assist in transferring plants from one part of the world to another.

4.4: Resources of Vegetation in Nigeria

The country’s resources are those things natural and man-made which the country has and which can be
use to increase its wealth. Therefore, the vegetal resources of a country are those things which the
vegetation covers of the country supplies which can be used to increase its wealth. The vegetation
covers of Nigeria supplies the country with a great variety of useful products. These include:

i. Firewood – This is easily the most important source of energy in the rural areas of Nigeria as
well as among poor urban residents. Sometimes the firewood is first converted into charcoal
which is easier to transport.
ii. Provision of wood for furniture, building, tool handles, packing cases, sculpture etc. For a
longtime, Nigeria was a major exporter of tropical timber but the depletion of the rainforest
and a rapid increase in the rate of domestic use of timber has force the government to ban
timber exports.
iii. Transmission poles for electricity.
iv. Oil and fat extracts from plants such as the palm oil and the shea butter trees.
v. Provision of beverages and stimulants such as palm wine
vi. Provision of raw materials for textile and leather industries.
vii. Provision of fruits, leaves, roots, flowers and nuts which are eaten as food. These plants are
major and cheap sources of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fats.
viii. Much of Nigeria’s livestock industry depends entirely or almost entirely on natural grass and
tree leaves.
ix. Provision of raw materials for medications and drugs.
x. Much of the honey consumed in the country is collected from the wild.
 xi. The vegetation is also a good source of meat from wildlife.

REFERENCES

A Natural History of Nigeria by K.M. Valentine (2004): Offers insights into Nigeria's diverse vegetation
zones.

West African Vegetation by R.W.J. Keay (1989): A classic text on the vegetation types found across West
Africa, including Nigeria.

Nigerian Trees by K.C. Jackson (1968): Provides detailed information about various tree species found in
Nigeria.

Flora of West Tropical Africa by J. Hutchinson & J.M. Dalziel (1954-1972): A multi-volume reference on the
flora of West Africa, including Nigeria.

The Ecology of Tropical Forests in West Africa by A.W. Fairbairn & J.L. Hall (1969): Examines the
ecological dynamics of Nigeria's tropical forest zones.

Vegetation Types of Nigeria by The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria

(https://environment.gov.ng/): Provides an overview of major vegetation types in Nigeria.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Nigeria Country Profile
(https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en?details=cb1327en): Offers a vegetation map of Nigeria.

An Outline of Nigerian Vegetation by R.W.J. Keay (1959): An influential article outlining Nigeria's
vegetation zones.

Biodiversity and Carbon Potentials of a Nigerian Forest Reserve by Nwabueze I. Igu et al. (2017):
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=77760 (This article explores the biodiversity
and carbon storage potential of a Nigerian forest reserve).

The Status of Forest Cover in Nigeria 2010-2020 by The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria
(https://www.fao.org/3/cb1327en/cb1327en.pdf): Provides a report on forest cover changes in Nigeria.

Journal of Vegetation Science (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16541103): Publishes research

articles on plant communities, vegetation dynamics, and related topics.

African Journal of Ecology ([invalid URL removed]): A journal focusing on ecological research in Africa,
including studies on Nigerian vegetation.

Plant Ecology & Diversity (https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tped20/current): Publishes research on

plant communities, diversity, and conservation, potentially relevant to Nigerian vegetation.

Impact of Climate Change on Vegetation Cover Dynamics in Nigeria by O.A. Adebayo et al. (2016):
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283881731_The_effects_of_climate_and_vegetation_on_the
_distribution_of_small_rodents_in_western_Nigeria (This research paper examines the effects of climate
change on vegetation cover in Nigeria).

The Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Vegetation Cover in a Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria by E.E.
Igbokwe et al. (2014): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857415001329 (This
study explores how human activities impact vegetation cover in a semi-arid region of Nigeria).

State of the Environment Report: Nigeria by The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria: Provides
periodic reports on the state of Nigeria's environment, including vegetation cover.

Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Update by The Federal Ministry of Environment,
Nigeria (https://climatechange.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/NDC_File-Amended-_11222.pdf):
Highlights Nigeria's commitments to address climate change, including forest conservation.

The World Bank - Nigeria Data (https://data.worldbank.org/country/NG): Provides data on land use and
forest cover in Nigeria.

Food and Agriculture Organization - Forest Resources Assessment (https://www.fao.org/forest-resources-

assessment/en/): Offers global and regional assessments of forest resources, including data on Nigeria.

United Nations Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Centre (https://www.unep-

wcmc.org/): Provides resources on biodiversity and protected areas, potentially relevant to Nigerian
vegetation.

The Conservation of Vegetation in Africa by S.K. El-Lakany & H.A. Mooney (2002): Explores conservation
strategies for African vegetation, including Nigeria.

Traditional Knowledge Systems and Management of Indigenous Vegetables in Nigeria by M.A. Adebisi &
O.O. Odeleye (2014): Examines the role of traditional knowledge in managing indigenous plant resources.

An Assessment of Threats to Medicinal Plants in Nigeria by J.A. Adeola (2009): Discusses threats faced by
medicinal plants in Nigeria and the importance of vegetation conservation.

Ethnobotany and Conservation of Medicinal Plants in Nigeria by O.A. Kole (2007): Explores the link
between traditional plant use and conservation efforts in Nigeria.

Journal of Arid Environments (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-arid-environments):

Publishes research on dryland ecosystems, relevant to vegetation in Nigeria's semi-arid regions.

Plant Ecology ([invalid URL removed]): A journal focusing on plant communities, their interactions with
the environment, and relevant to Nigerian vegetation studies.

Biological Conservation (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/biological-conservation): Publishes

research on biodiversity conservation, including studies on threatened vegetation types in Nigeria.

Restoring Degraded Forest Landscapes in Nigeria: A Review by A.B. Afolayan et al. (2018): [invalid URL
removed]: Reviews research on forest restoration efforts in Nigeria.
Impact of Grazing on Vegetation Composition and Structure in the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria by M.O.
Adedoyin et al. (2013): [invalid URL removed]: Explores the effects of grazing on vegetation composition
in Nigerian savannas.

Nigeria: A Land of Contrasts (Documentary, 2012): This documentary might explore the diverse
landscapes and vegetation zones of Nigeria. (Search for availability on streaming platforms or
educational databases)

The Disappearing Rainforests of Nigeria (Documentary short, year may vary): This could potentially
highlight deforestation issues and the importance of vegetation conservation in Nigeria. (Search for
availability on environmental websites or educational databases)

Nigerian Conservation Foundation (https://ncfnigeria.org/): Provides information on conservation efforts

in Nigeria, potentially including vegetation-related projects.

World Wildlife Fund - Nigeria (https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_offices/wwf_offices_in_africa): Explores

WWF's work in Nigeria, which might involve vegetation conservation initiatives.

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity - Nigeria (https://onehealthdev.org/presence-of-the-

convention-on-biological-diversity-in-nigeria/): Explores how Nigeria implements the Convention,
potentially including measures for vegetation protection.

Web of Science (https://clarivate.com/products/web-of-science/) or Scopus

([https://www.scopus.com/]) : These databases allow you to search for academic journals and articles
related to "Vegetation of Nigeria" or specific vegetation types within the country.

ResearchGate ([https://www.researchgate.net/]) or Academia.edu ([https://www.academia.edu/]) :

These platforms allow searching for research papers and publications on Nigerian vegetation by topic or
author.

The Vegetation of Africa by UNESCO (https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000058054): This report

by UNESCO might offer a broader context for understanding Nigerian vegetation types within the African
continent.

Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by Intergovernmental Science-Policy

Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) ([[invalid URL removed]]) : This report by IPBES
provides a global perspective on biodiversity loss and ecosystem services, potentially relevant to the state
of vegetation in Nigeria.

Field Guide to the Common Trees and Shrubs of Nigeria by J.H. Gledhill (2008): This field guide can help
identify tree and shrub species in Nigeria, providing insights into vegetation composition. (Consider
exploring online herbarium resources of Nigerian universities or botanical gardens for plant identification
and distribution information.)