By Chinenye Offor

The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN), has pledged to work with stakeholders to advance the sector.

Ebenezer Akarah, the newly elected National Chief Strategy Officer of NACPDEAN, made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Akarah outlined priorities and expectations of the association as its new chief strategy officer.

NAN reports that his appointment took effect on Oct. 16, with a mandate covering strategic engagement, institutional partnerships, international cooperation and investment facilitation.

He said he would use his position to strengthen the charcoal sector through responsible production, afforestation, improved market access and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

“I look forward to working closely with the association’s leadership and stakeholders across the sector to advance our shared objectives,” he said.

Akarah said strategic engagement and institutional partnerships would create investment opportunities and expand the sector’s reach.

“Strategic engagement and international cooperation will be critical to strengthening partnerships, facilitating investment and improving market access for Nigerian charcoal producers and exporters,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to balance industry growth with environmental responsibility.

He pledged the promotion of responsible production and afforestation while exploring opportunities to strengthen the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil economy.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru