Abuja: 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 significant economic importance as a source of livelihood for millions and as a major contributor to trade and investment.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Babatunde lamented the rise in unhealthy practices, reckless exploitation, and disregard for established guidelines. He warned that if these issues continue unchecked, the sector could be crippled, afforestation efforts would be undermined, and both national and international confidence in Nigeria’s environmental sustainability commitments could erode. He emphasized the urgency of strict enforcement and total compliance to achieve sectoral progress.

The NACPDEAN president highlighted that 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s original forest cover had been depleted, primarily due to agricultural expansion, industrial development, urbanization, and farming, which account for over 80 percent of forest loss. While illegal logging plays a major role, Babatunde pointed out that charcoal producers are often unfairly blamed. He also criticized the activities of foreigners who, with some law enforcement agents’ support, allegedly exploit Nigeria’s forest resources illegally.

Babatunde 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 of the Commodity and Export Department at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment (FMTI), stated that Nigeria remains a key player in global wood and charcoal production and export, but acknowledged that unsustainable practices have led to extensive deforestation.

To address deforestation concerns, Usman mentioned that NACPDEAN has initiated a centralised afforestation project in the country and urged all stakeholders to collaborate to reduce deforestation and maximize both economic and environmental benefits.

Mr. Mohammed Mundu, Director of Energy Utilization and Management at the Energy Commission of Nigeria, shared that surveys indicate 67 percent of Nigerian households rely on firewood, while 22 percent use charcoal. He noted that for each kilogram of charcoal, approximately six kilograms of wood are consumed, and to meet domestic consumption of 16 million metric tonnes of charcoal, around 97 million metric tonnes of wood are used annually. Mundu recommended the large-scale planting of fast-growing multi-purpose trees like Leucaena, Calliandra, and Gliricidia, which improve soil fertility and can be harvested for firewood within 12 months of planting.

Assistant Commandant-General Dan Okon, representing the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), addressed complaints of foreigners depleting Nigeria’s forests and urged the association to report such cases for prompt action. The meeting, organized by the FMTI, included participants from ministries, agencies, and departments such as Trade and Investment, Environment, Science and Technology, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Police.