National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN): Obliged to Sustainable Forest Development to deal with High Forests Depletion in Nigeria

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone – Babatunde Edu, President of the association made this acknowledgment at the weekend in Kaduna during the induction of Kaduna State officials of the association.

He explained that their emphasis is to assure the planting of trees and the establishment of more private indigenous plantations of economic trees.

Edu expanded that the association was also working towards industrial alternative of charcoal that is not made from wood.

“Nigeria has earned as much as $73.2 million in the charcoal trade as at 2019, their focus is to ensure sustainable environment.

The association also held sensitization on its activities that centered around the theme: “Advocacy on Sustainable Afforestation and Reforestation for Kaduna State Posterity”.

Edu said NACPDEAN was established to streamline the sector and ensure orderliness in the conduct of charcoal commodity business within and outside the country.

“It is important to inform you of the high level of forests deficit gaps in Nigeria according to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

“Reports from the Global Forest Watch indicate between 2001 and 2021, Nigeria lost 1.14 million. He indicates of tree cover as a result of activities like industrial agriculture and food, which take 80% of deforestation.

“Logging, petroleum exploration, urban development, forest burning, grazing and other activities are involved in deforestation as well.”

He clarified that from 1960 to early 70s when awareness was spent to the sector, the export of wood products and agrarian products furnished more than 70% of the nation’s GDP.

“Based on the above point, NACPDEAN was formed to enforce compliance with tree planting in the charcoal sector,” Edu mumbled.

He said that the global wood charcoal market revenue amounted to $24.2 billion in 2018, and has remained relatively unchanged since then.

“In production as at 2019, Nigeria is ranked the second largest producer in the world with 4.5 million tonnes after Brazil with 5.5 million tonnes, and first in Amillion, with a combined 28% share of global production by FAO,” he added.

According to him, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) indexed Nigeria 8th in global wood charcoal consumption in 2019.

Edu understands that, with proper planning, Nigeria will reap much foreign exchange from the global charcoal market, without damaging the environment.

“The main objective of the association is for the nation to have abundant forest cover and sustainable forest development,” he expanded.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent