This study explored the socioeconomic impacts of fuelwood harvesting and illegal logging on forest sustainability and biodiversity conservation in rural forestry communities across Nigeria. It aimed to understand how growing reliance on forest resources for household energy, income, and basic livelihood needs contributes to environmental degradation and the loss of biological diversity. The research focused on identifying key socioeconomic drivers behind fuelwood use and unauthorized logging, analyzing their consequences for forest health, and assessing their effects on biodiversity. Additionally, it examined how these practices influence rural livelihoods and proposed strategies for more sustainable forest management. A descriptive survey approach was employed, with data gathered from 150 participants in rural forestry areas using structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct field observations. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, and mean scores. Results indicated that poverty, joblessness, heavy reliance on fuelwood for domestic energy, poor forest governance, and insufficient enforcement of environmental regulations were the primary factors driving resource overuse. These activities were found to contribute to deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitats, reduced species diversity, soil erosion, and diminished ability of forests to regenerate. While such practices provided immediate economic gains for local households, they also threatened long-term environmental stability and ecological integrity. The study concluded that unchecked fuelwood extraction and illegal logging severely compromise forest sustainability and biodiversity conservation in Nigeria’s rural areas. To address these challenges, it recommended to strengthen enforcement of forestry laws, expanding access to alternative energy sources, supporting community-led forest management initiatives, implement afforestation efforts, and increasing environmental awareness through education.