Nigeria: Restoring a forest under a 99-year carbon rights agreement

Biodiversity conservation in Osun State, Nigeria, is primarily structured around protected sacred groves, forest reserves, and riparian corridors that link these fragments.

Backed by long-term government land tenure, this forest restoration initiative aims to generate approximately 3 million verified carbon removals while supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening biodiversity corridors in Osun State, Nigeria.

Noblesse Green Energy is leading the Ago-Owu Forest Reserve Carbon Investment Project in Osun State, Nigeria, restoring over 23,000 hectares of degraded forest under a 99-year government-backed land and carbon rights agreement.

The project has completed feasibility studies, established partnerships including verification under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and structured risk mitigation including insurance backing.

The feasibility studies cover the project’s carbon potential, site mapping, community baselines, financial projects and risk mitigation. The project is now in
implementation phase and seeking to secure funding.

Cover photo:  Olumo Rock, used as a natural fortress during 19th century warfare in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Source: wirestock©123rf