The federal government of Nigeria has issued a warning against the use of fake certificates by some exporters in the processing of wood and charcoal, urging them to refrain from such practices.
During the Consultative Workshop on the Implementation of Policy Guidelines on the Export of Processed Wood and Charcoal, as well as the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards, held in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Yusufu, emphasized the need for all stakeholders to actively contribute to increasing the nation’s forest cover and combating global emissions and climate change.
He urged participants to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and strictly adhere to the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards to avoid penalties, which may include being blacklisted from the wood export business.
“I am pleased to declare this critical consultative workshop open. Its purpose is to bring together key stakeholders in the forest industry to deliberate on implementation strategies for the Policy Guidelines on Processed Wood and Charcoal. Additionally, we aim to define roles and responsibilities for the implementation of the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards, while enhancing the capacity of stakeholders to apply these standards effectively, promoting transparency, standardization, and internationally acceptable best practices.
“As we are all aware, various events have taken place in recent times leading up to the conditional lifting of the embargo on processed wood and charcoal exports. This workshop represents another step towards achieving responsible trade in the forest industry, ensuring the integrity of the forests and fulfilling our commitment to national development and global goals.
“However, we must recognize that lifting the embargo conditionally means the government reserves the right to reverse the decision if desired results are not achieved. The government will continue to provide the necessary policies, guidance, and oversight, and we expect maximum cooperation from stakeholders. It is essential that everyone abides by the rules in the interest of our forests and the environment as a whole.
“The primary objective of this workshop is to discuss strategies for sustainable utilization and management of the nation’s forest resources. Investors, individuals, companies, exporters, and other players in the processed wood and charcoal business must comply with the laws, rules, guidelines, and policies set by the various states and the federal government.
“Without forests, there can be no timber, charcoal, or other related products to trade. Therefore, sustainable forest management is vital for the continuity of the wood-based trade, the environment, and the provision of social services necessary for human survival.
“The alarming rate of forest exploitation, along with its associated social, economic, and environmental consequences, demands urgent collective and proactive action. We reiterate our commitment to the Global Goals for Forests (GFGs) of the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests (UNSPF) and its targets. Nigeria, with significant inputs from the states, is making steady progress in increasing the nation’s forest cover. This progress has been facilitated by consistent annual budgetary provisions from the federal government, as well as financial, technical, and other support from international partners, the Sovereign Green Bond, and the private sector, notably Guinness Nigeria Plc. The Federal Ministry of Environment continues to provide seedlings to schools and NGOs, along with technical support.
“The revised Policy Guideline on Processed Wood and Charcoal Export mandates players in the wood industry, particularly processed wood exporters, to establish their forest plantations. They must also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to tree planting.
“I urge all exporter groups that have not yet established their plantations to do so urgently and align themselves with us on this noble cause. The Ministry will not consider applications from exporter groups without verifiable evidence of owning forest plantations. We have already received a number of applications that are currently being processed. Inspection visits have been conducted at some facilities and plantations, and Letters of Support will be issued only to companies that meet the specified requirements.
“The Policy Guideline and the Timber Legality Standards are designed to promote best practices, which can only be achieved when each player understands their role and responsibility.”
In her welcome address, Mrs. Hajara Umar Sami, Director of the Forestry Department at the Ministry of Environment, emphasized that the workshop aims to ensure the sustainability of the wood, charcoal, and other related products business in Nigeria.
She highlighted the necessity of discussing implementation strategies for the Policy Guidelines on Processed Wood and Charcoal, as well as the domestication of the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards, to enable efficient utilization and effective forest management before the commencement of exports of these products.