By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Government has been advised to curtail the increasing involvement of foreign entities in exploiting Nigerian forest resources. The National Association of Charcoal Producers Dealers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) at stakeholders meeting in Abuja raised alarm over the continuous exploitation of forest resources in the country.
Speaking at the meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja, NACPDEAN’s National President Babatunde Edu highlighted how the increased presence of foreign companies and individuals in the forestry sector is contributing to intensified deforestation and illegal logging activities.
The association emphasized the need to safeguard the vital resources from over exploitation.The Minister of Environment, Industry, Trade and Investment, who was represented at the event charged the Association and other stakeholders on continuous efforts toward sustainable forest development, aiming to address Nigeria’s high deforestation rates and prevent potential nationwide bans on deforestation.
Other Speakers at the event including representatives of Security Agencies reaffirmed reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated action against illegal logging and forest destruction while the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) highlighted enforcement as a key pillar in safeguarding forest ecosystems.
The fight against deforestation is not only an environmental imperative but also an economic opportunity, with projections indicating that Nigeria’s forest sector could generate billions of dollars annually if managed sustainably, creating jobs and fostering inclusive growth.
