Nigerian government insists on best practices on charcoal export

The Nigerian government says it will not hesitate to reverse the embargo on processed wood and charcoal export, if the desired results are not achieved.

Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Yusufu stated this at the consultative workshop on the Implementation of Policy Guideline on Export of Processed Wood and Charcoal and the Nigeria Timber Legality standards held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He said that the government will continue to play its part by providing the enabling policy and guidance as well as oversight to ensure achievement of the desired results.

According to him, “You will agree with me that the recent conditional lifting of embargo on processed wood and charcoal export, will not yield the desired results without setting in motion the necessary machinery such as this workshop designed to provide the impetus for process and procedure refining for sustainable utilisation and management of forest resources. We are all aware that the embargo was lifted conditionally.”

He noted that the workshop is aimed at discussing strategies for sustainable utilisation and management of the nation’s forest resources in order for investors, individuals, companies, exporters and other key players in the processed wood and charcoal business comply with rules and guidelines for various States in the country.

“As you are aware, series of events have taken place in recent times in the build-up to the take-off of the new policy on processed wood and charcoal export, the workshop is yet another step towards achieving responsible trade in the forest industry without compromising the integrity of the forests and in fulfillment of our commitment to national development agenda as well as Global Goals,” he explained.

He urged all the participants to take advantage of the workshop in understanding what the Timber Legality Standards are all about and be familiar with the roles and responsibilities.

The Permanent Secretary, further stressed the government efforts to ensure that processed wood and charcoal export activities do not impact negatively on the forests but rather contribute to job creation and national economic development.

“At this juncture, I will like to urge as many of the Exporter Groups that are yet to establish their plantations to as a matter of urgency, do so and identify with us on this noble cause as the Ministry will not consider applications of Exporter Groups without verifiable evidence of owning forest plantations.

“Already, a number of applications have been received and are undergoing processing. Inspection visits have been made to some facilities and plantations of some applicants while Letters of Support will be issued only to the companies that meet the stipulated requirements,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, also added that the government would not relent in the ongoing efforts at increasing the Nation’s forest cover and contributing to Global emission reduction and Climate Change mitigation.

“Let me reiterate our commitment to the Global Goals for Forests (GFGs) of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forest (UNSPF) and its Targets. It is noteworthy that with significant inputs from the States, Nigeria is recording steady progress in the pursuit of the Global Goals especially in the area of increasing the Nation’s forest cover. This has been made possible by consistent annual budgetary provision by the Federal Government in addition to financial, technical and other support from International Partners, Sovereign Green Bond, and the Private Sector especially Guinness Nigeria Plc,” he stressed.

The Director of Forestry Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Hajara Umar Sami, said that it is necessary that stakeholders meet to discuss implementation strategies of the Policy Guidelines on Processed Wood and Charcoal and domestication of the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards for efficient utilization and effective forest management before the commencement of export of these products.

She added that the workshop will ensure the sustainability of the wood, charcoal, and other allied products business in Nigeria.

 

“This workshop would have come earlier but it is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that processes that will guarantee the protection of our dwindling forest resources are followed. The primary reason was making sure all the measures that will aid SFM are in place in addition to making sure these are communicated to key stakeholders for smooth take-off of operation,” she explained.

“It is appropriate to emphasize that all critical stakeholders in the wood, charcoal, and other allied products business endeavor to have a full understanding of the modus operandi of the export in the forestry sector because it is no longer business as usual, this is a new paradigm where actions taken in ignorance by anybody will not be condoned,” Mrs. Hajara Umar Sami added.

Representative, Wood exporters Association of Nigeria, Mr. Oyeleke Ademola, commended the Ministry for the step taken for the suspension of wood and Charcoal export in the country.

He urged the government to embark on mass afforestation to strengthen the country’s forest.

“We cannot over emphasised the economic aspect of the environment, as this would help to strengthen of the economy, we can engaged in the forest in a sustainable manner, what we need is to engaged in the mass afforestation, today’s workshop will served as a sensitasation awareness for every members who dwells in the sector,” he explained.

Mr. Ademola, further said that the Wood exporters Association of Nigeria, will work and partner with states government to ensure that all the members of the association works with guidelines and policy to support the government.

“I want to believe that we as the association we will do what it will takes, to make sure we will partner with the Federal Ministry of Environment, state to make sure we enforce all the conditions, guidelines and make ensure our members to work in a specific manner,” he added.

Representative of Charcoal Industry in Nigeria, Mr Audu Isa, commended the Federal government for their support to the Industry over the years.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank you for what you have done for the Industry sustainability is the engine for everything,” Mr Isa said.