The Federal Government has declared that the charcoal trade poses a significant threat to forest sustainability and local livelihoods in Nigeria. Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office, made this statement during a one-day stakeholders dialogue on charcoal production and forest conservation in Abuja.
Ndayako emphasized that while charcoal serves as a crucial source of energy for millions, particularly in rural areas, the informal and poorly regulated trade has led to severe environmental degradation, including deforestation and biodiversity loss. With over 70% of the population relying on biomass for cooking, the demand for charcoal has surged.
She called for strategic shifts in policy to harmonize national frameworks on forest and biomass energy, empowering enforcement agencies to regulate charcoal production effectively. The promotion of sustainable forestry practices and cleaner energy alternatives, such as LPG and solar cookstoves, was also highlighted.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, stressed the importance of integrating environmental education into national curricula to foster a generation that values conservation. The dialogue, supported by the Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change, aims to address the pressing issues surrounding charcoal production and forest degradation.
