The potential contributions of non-timber forest products to the social and economic well-being of forest environment dwellers cannot be overstressed. However, the variations in conservation attitudes about forests within and among communities are shaped by various factors. This study identified the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that community dwellers most prioritise in the Akure forest reserve. It also identified the economic benefits of NTFPs. It finally examined the residents’ level of exploitation of the 5 most used NTFPs in the study area. These intended to provides information on how non-timber forest products (NTFPs) help reduce poverty among residents who live in enclaves and nearby settlements of Akure Forest Reserve in Ondo State, Nigeria.. The study adopted a survey research design. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select three communities namely, Aponmu, Itaoniyan, and Olokuta, due to their proximity to the forest reserve and their direct involvement in forest-related activities. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents across the three communities. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The results showed that Garcinia kola, Irvingia wombulu, Acatina acatina, Tectona gradis, and Chrysophyllum albidum were the five most prioritized NTFPs. The economic benefits of the prioritised NTFPs derived by the communities are to meet family food (98.4%), sources of income (98.4%), and employment (95.4%). Finally, the results showed there was a high exploitation rate (53.3%) of the 5 most used NTFPs. Policies that prevent overexploitation should be implemented or amended in order to guarantee the NTFP resources sustainability in the reserve for perpetuity. Also, there should be an awareness campaign on private investment in forestry to reduce pressure on the existing forest reserve in the study area.