Wood export from Nigeria to Asia, Europe rises after ban lift

Export of wood from Nigeria to Europe and Asia is now on the rise since the ban on wood export was lifted last year by the federal government. The federal government had in January 2023 “conditionally” lifted the ban on wood and charcoal exportation. Mohammed Abdullahi, a former environment minister, said a lot of businesses […]

Export of wood from Nigeria to Europe and Asia is now on the rise since the ban on wood export was lifted last year by the federal government.

The federal government had in January 2023 “conditionally” lifted the ban on wood and charcoal exportation.

Mohammed Abdullahi, a former environment minister, said a lot of businesses have been affected by the ban, as the reason for the conditional lift of the ban.

Recall that in July 2021, major shipping lines running services into Nigeria suspended the loading of charcoal and wood for export from the country.

The suspension was consequent upon a circular issued by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), placing embargo on the export of the items.

Fundings by Daily Trust revealed that the export of wood since the ban was lifted has been on the rise.

Woods from Nigeria are highly exported to Asia and parts of European countries.

Speaking on the impact of the lifting of the embargo, the Wood Exporters Association of Nigeria (TWEAN) said since the ban on wood export from Nigeria was lifted last year by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITIES), the Nigerian wood industry is presently witnessing a boom.

The General Secretary of TWEAN, Joe Odiase, said more furniture-manufacturing companies are now coming into the wood industry since the ban was lifted.

He said over five million Nigerians are currently engaged in the value chain of the wood-processing industry.

He explained that more could still be done if the policies guiding the sector are fully implemented.

He also said that the Minister of Environment has met with several stakeholders in the wood industry to ensure all stakeholders are carried along in the process of growing the industry.

“You cannot export without specifications from the ministry, you cannot export without contributing to the programme of government, which is also contained in the policy guidelines on wood export,” he said.

Odiase said with the current policy guidelines, the industry is expected to boom in no time and contribute more significantly to national economic growth.