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Group seeks strict enforcement, compliance in charcoal sector (Page 535)

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) has called for strict enforcement of regulations and total compliance with sectoral guidelines to achieve progress.

Its President, Mr Edu Babatunde, made the appeal at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Charcoal Value Chain Development in Nigeria”, in Abuja.

Babatunde stressed that the sector holds huge economic value as a source of livelihood for millions and as a major contributor to trade and investment.

He lamented the rise in unhealthy practices, reckless exploitation and disregard for established guidelines.

“If these dealings continue unchecked, our sector will be crippled, afforestation efforts undermined, and national and international confidence in Nigeria’s environmental sustainability commitments eroded.

“This is why we are sounding an urgent call to stakeholders, because without strict enforcement and total compliance, sectoral progress cannot be achieved,” he said.

The NACPDEAN president noted that 70 to 80 per cent of Nigeria’s original forest cover had been depleted, with agricultural expansion, industrial development, urbanisation and farming accounting for over 80 per cent of forest loss.

He added that while illegal logging played a major role, charcoal producers were often unfairly blamed.

Babatunde also decried the activities of foreigners who, with the support of some law enforcement agents, allegedly exploit Nigeria’s forest resources illegally.

He urged the Ministries of Environment and Trade to enforce regulations and strengthen coordination to protect the environment and unlock the sector’s full economic potential.

Mrs Hajara Usman, Director, Commodity and Export Department, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMTI), said Nigeria remained a key player in global wood and charcoal production and export.

She, however, admitted that unsustainable practices had caused extensive deforestation.

“To reduce deforestation and cover the forest deficit, NACPDEAN has taken the initiative to establish a centralised afforestation project in the country.

“I urge all stakeholders to work in synergy to reduce deforestation and maximise both economic and environmental benefits,” Usman said.

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Mundu, Director, Energy Utilisation and Management, Energy Commission of Nigeria, said surveys revealed that 67 per cent of Nigerian households rely on firewood, while 22 per cent use charcoal.

“For every kilogramme of charcoal, about six kilogrammes of wood are consumed. To meet domestic consumption of 16 million metric tonnes of charcoal, about 97 million metric tonnes of wood are used annually,” Mundu said.

He recommended large-scale planting of fast-growing multi-purpose trees such as Leucaena, Calliandra and Gliricidia, which improve soil fertility and can be harvested for firewood within 12 months of planting.

On complaints of foreigners depleting Nigeria’s forests, Assistant Commandant-General Dan Okon, who represented the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), urged the association to report such cases for prompt action.

The meeting, organised by the FMTI, drew participants from ministries, agencies and departments including Trade and Investment, Environment, Science and Technology, NSCDC and the Nigeria Police. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
PUO/TAK

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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Group seeks strict enforcement, compliance in charcoal sector (Page 535)