The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters, and Afforestation of Nigeria has stated that its commitment is to sustain forest development in order to address the high deforestation rate in Nigeria.
Mr. Babatunde Edu, the President of the association, made this statement on Saturday in Kaduna during the inauguration of the association’s officials in Kaduna State.
He emphasized that their main focus is to ensure the planting of trees and the establishment of more private indigenous plantations of economic trees. Additionally, the association is working towards creating an industrial alternative to charcoal that does not rely on wood.
Mr. Edu mentioned that although Nigeria earned over 73.2 million U.S. dollars from charcoal trade in 2019, their primary goal is to ensure environmental sustainability.
The association also conducted sensitization campaigns centered around the theme “Advocacy on Sustainable Afforestation and Reforestation for Kaduna State Posterity.”
NACPDEAN was established to streamline the sector and promote orderliness in the charcoal commodity business, both domestically and internationally.
“It is crucial to inform you about the significant forest deficit gaps in Nigeria, as highlighted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
“Reports from the Global Forest Watch indicate that between 2001 and 2021, Nigeria lost 1.14 million hectares of tree cover due to various activities, such as industrial agriculture and food production, which account for 80% of deforestation,” Edu said.
He further explained that deforestation is also caused by logging, petroleum exploration, urban development, forest burning, grazing, and other activities.
Edu highlighted that from 1960 to the early 1970s, when the sector received attention, the export of wood products and agricultural commodities contributed to more than 70% of the country’s GDP.
“Based on the points mentioned above, NACPDEAN was formed to enforce compliance with tree planting in the charcoal sector,” Edu stated.
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He also mentioned that the global wood charcoal market revenue amounted to $24.2 billion in 2018 and has remained relatively stable since then.
“As of 2019, Nigeria is ranked as the second-largest producer of wood charcoal in the world, producing 4.5 million tonnes, following Brazil with 5.5 million tonnes. Nigeria is also the leading producer in Africa, accounting for a combined 28% share of global production according to FAO,” he added.
According to Edu, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranked Nigeria 8th in global wood charcoal consumption in 2019.
Edu believes that with proper planning, Nigeria can earn significant foreign exchange from the global charcoal market without harming the environment.
“The primary objective of the association is to promote abundant forest cover and sustainable forest development,” he added.
During the inauguration of new officials of the association for Kaduna State, Edu emphasized that their task is to combat deforestation.
He stated, “Our plan in Kaduna State is to intensify efforts in curbing forest crimes, reducing deforestation, and achieving afforestation while generating sufficient revenue.
This will also enhance the sub-sector, creating more employment and empowerment opportunities for our members, stakeholders, communities, and the Kaduna State government.”
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of NACPDEAN, Mr. Kingsley Amadi, appealed to the Kaduna State Government to ensure stakeholder compliance with afforestation policies.
Amadi urged the government to allocate land throughout the state for the association’s afforestation and reforestation projects.
He also emphasized the need for the government to enforce compliance with Afforestation Pass and Right, which is a compulsory requirement for charcoal stakeholders, promoting sustainability and adherence to the newly revised charcoal guidelines.
Speaking on behalf of the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Mr. Hassan Chumbi, the Director of Forestry in the state, encouraged the association to adopt modern methods of charcoal production that do not degrade the environment.
He assured them of the government’s partnership to ensure the success of their afforestation and reforestation projects in the state.
