The National Charcoal Producers, Dealers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) is set for a consultative meeting with government agencies to sensitise charcoal stakeholders on importance of afforestation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Abuja, Mr Babatunde Edu, National President of the body, said the meeting would sensitise stakeholders on the effects of deforestation, the benefit of afforestation and innovative processing procedures to boost the forest resources in Nigeria.
“This is with emphasis on the association trust policy on issuance of Afforestation Pass and Charcoal Lifting Rights by the National Association for compliance of stakeholders to streamline the sub-sector in furtherance to the association’s aims and objectives.
“NACPDEAN is to ensure compliance of stakeholders on afforestation to mitigate climate change.
“We also exist to fast-track growth and development of the sector and to increase the contribution of the sub-sector to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Edu also noted that the event is scheduled to hold on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Lagos, with the Theme: “Sustainable Afforestation & Reforestation for Nigeria’s Posterity.”
“All exporting stakeholders in the charcoal sub-sector are invited to the consultative meeting with the government and also shipping companies, freight forwarders, and terminal operators will be in attendance,” he said.
The event will be in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE), Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and Nigerian Export Promotion Council, among others.
By Sarafina Christopher
