DOI: https://doi.org/10.36344/ccijhss.2025.v11i12.001

Pages: 243-258

Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) change remains one of the most influential processes reshaping ecosystems, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability in West Africa. Despite Nigeria’s rapid population growth and economic expansion, comprehensive national-scale assessments of its long-term LULC dynamics remain scarce. This study analyses 27 years of LULC change (1992–2019) using ESA-CCI 300-m resolution datasets to quantify transitions among cropland, grassland, shrubland, forest/woodland, and other classes. My results showed substantial changes in land cover over the 27 years, with national-level increases in cropland by 14,470km2, forest/woodland by 25,224km2, and ‘other’ by 7,706km2, but a decline in grassland and shrubland by 464km2 and 51,585km2, respectively, though with substantial interannual variability, reflecting both reforestation efforts and earlier deforestation pressures. Spatial patterns vary significantly across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, shaped by differences in climate, demographic pressures, agricultural policy, and urbanisation rates. My findings can stimulate discussion between researchers, planners, land management experts, and decision-makers at the private, state, and national government levels and support the development of policies that ensure the sustainability of land resources in Nigeria.