The Federal Government has lifted the ban on charcoal and wood exportation.
Minister of Environment, Mohammed H. Abdullahi, said this in Abuja on Thursday, after a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the review of ban on charcoal and suspension of the export of processed wood and other allied products.
Abdullahi said many businesses had been affected by the ban, adding that the decision was taken by the government to enable the private sector and individuals to massively invest in afforestation.
“The ministry has observed that many businesses have been unintentionally affected, especially those converting waste to wealth for export by the ban.
“As a responsible government, we would not be rigid in our policies, and will always listen to citizens on how these policies affect them. Thus, we will be flexible in our decisions.
“The disposition decision taken by the government today is an opportunity for the private sector and individuals to massively invest in plantation establishments for their own use in future.
The minister cautioned that the government would put stringent measures in place to stop forest abuse and ensure sustainable forest management.
The minister who launched Nigeria Timber Legality Standards and Guidelines document at the event implored businesses and individuals to adhere to the guidelines to avoid prosecution.
“I implore all associations and individuals in this business to adhere to the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards and Guideline for Wood and Charcoal Export launched here today to avoid prosecution as the decision to lift the ban can be revisited at any time if there is no compliance with the laid down rules and regulations,” the minister said.
He mentioned that a joint task force has been set up to ensure compliance.
“Consequently, the Nigerian government has put in place stringent measures to stem the tide of our forest abuse and ensure sustainable forest management which include the setting up of a Joint Task Force, National Forestry Trust Fund, Nigeria Timber Legality Standards, Inter-Ministerial,” he added.
“An inter-agency national stakeholders forum on the fight against wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria (including national elephant and ivory action plans), revised guidelines on export of wood and charcoal and a sustained afforestation program. I subsequently launched the Nigeria timber legality standards and guidelines document.”
