Recall that in July 2021, major shipping lines running services into Nigeria suspended the loading of charcoal and wood for export from the country.
Findings by SHIPS & PORTS revealed that the suspension was consequent upon a circular issued by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), placing embargo on the export of the items.
However, the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, on Thursday during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting, said many businesses have been adversely affected by the ban.
He said the decision to lift the ban was taken by the government to enable the private sector and individuals to massively invest in plantations.
“The ministry has observed that many businesses have been unintentionally affected, especially those converting waste to wealth for export by the ban.
“As a responsible government, we would not be rigid in our policies, and will always listen to citizens on how these policies affect them. Thus, we will be flexible in our decisions.
“The disposition decision taken by the government today is an opportunity for the private sector and individuals to massively invest in plantation establishments for their own use in future.
“I implore all associations and individuals in this business to adhere to the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards and Guideline for Wood and Charcoal Export launched here today to avoid prosecution as the decision to lift the ban can be revisited at anytime if there is no compliance with the laid down rules and regulations,” the Minister said.
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