Comparative Evaluation of Timber Concession Management Models in Edo and Delta States

Timber concession management in southern Nigerian states has historically been characterised by weak oversight, revenue leakages, and poor sustainable yield compliance, yet comparative analysis of management models operating in different institutional environments within the region has not been conducted. This study comparatively evaluates timber concession management models in Edo and Delta States, examining governance structures, royalty collection efficiency, compliance monitoring, and ecological impacts across eight active concessions. A document review of concession agreements, audit reports, and royalty records was combined with structured interviews with 31 concession operators and state forestry officials. Forest condition assessments in concession areas used basal area measurements and regeneration surveys in sixteen permanent plots per concession. Comparative analysis employed a standardised performance scorecard adapted from the Forest Stewardship Council's forest management principles. Results reveal significant management quality differences within and between states, with Edo State concessions generally achieving higher governance and ecological scores, attributed to the recent introduction of independent third-party monitoring requirements in that state. Revenue recovery rates in Delta State concessions averaged 41%, compared to 67% in Edo State. Regeneration assessments indicate that four concessions have harvested beyond sustainable yield limits in their most recent cutting cycle, with inadequate post-harvest enrichment planting. Concession operators attributed compliance gaps primarily to inconsistent state oversight and unclear penalty structures rather than unwillingness to comply. The study recommends harmonised concession performance standards and mandatory independent auditing for all active concessions in both states. Keywords: timber concession, forest management, governance, Edo State, Delta State