Charcoal Export Ban: Association Calls For Strategic Engagement

The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) has called for urgent, coordinated and strategic engagement following the recent ban on charcoal export.

The newly elected President of the association, Mr. Edu Babatunde, made the call in his acceptance speech after the election of the National Executive Committee (NEC) held in Abuja.

Babatunde, who described his victory as a collective achievement, said it comes with renewed responsibility and a clear call to action.

“Our industry is at a critical turning point. The recent developments, particularly the ban on charcoal export, require urgent, coordinated and strategic engagement,” he said.

He urged producers, dealers, exporters and other stakeholders to unite and speak with one voice in engaging government authorities.

According to him, the goal is not only to address the immediate challenges posed by the ban, but also to establish a sustainable framework that balances economic survival with environmental responsibility.

Babatunde emphasised that a new era of strict compliance is imminent, warning that weak enforcement and unregulated activities will no longer be tolerated.

He said firm monitoring systems would be introduced, standards strictly enforced, and accountability ensured across all levels of the industry.

The national president noted that the move is critical to restoring credibility within the sector, protecting legitimate operators and securing the long-term future of the charcoal business in Nigeria.

While underscoring the importance of enforcement, Babatunde stressed that collaboration remains key.

“Plans are underway to deepen engagement with state governments to ensure inclusive participation and effective regulation,” he said.

He added that through strategic partnerships, the association aims to promote afforestation initiatives, strengthen regulatory frameworks and create an enabling environment for lawful and sustainable charcoal production and export activities.

Babatunde, who was elected for a second term, said priority would be given to the immediate establishment and activation of state chapters in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Kogi and Bauchi states.

He also pledged to enforce compliance with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Resolution of 2022, which prohibits foreign operators from purchasing directly at the farm gate.

“This policy was designed to protect local businesses, and we will take firm steps to ensure full adherence going forward,” he said.

On deforestation, Babatunde said the association would not shy away from its responsibility.

“We have developed a robust operational plan that prioritises sustainability in our business.

“All stakeholders—producers, dealers and exporters—must embrace tree planting as a core responsibility.

“Afforestation will be central to our strategy.

“We are also introducing structured economic forestry programmes across multiple regions to ensure that tree planting is not just symbolic, but economically viable—benefiting local communities, states and the Federal Government,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Basiru Lukman, Schedule Officer in charge of the Charcoal Value Chain at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said the ban on charcoal and allied products was necessitated by the growing forest deficit.

He said the measure was aimed at safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

Lukman urged stakeholders to take deliberate and immediate steps toward aggressive afforestation initiatives.

“Sustainable production must be our collective priority,” he said.Original Source. .

He also called for self-regulation within the charcoal subsector to ensure compliance with environmental standards and promote responsible business practices.