The Federal Government on Thursday announced that the ban on the exportation wood and charcoal has been lifted.
The Minister of Environment, Muhammed Abdullahi, said this during a stakeholders consultative meeting in Abuja on the review of the ban on charcoal and suspension of the export of processed wood and other allied products.
The minister noted that many businesses had been affected by the ban. Hence, the decision was taken by the federal government to enable the private sectors and individuals to massively invest in plantations
He said, “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 will be flexible in our decisions.
“The 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 any time if there is no compliance with the laid down rules and regulations.”
