National News
FG May Modify Policy On Charcoal Export
FG May Modify Policy On Charcoal Export
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has expressed its readiness to modify the present policy on export of processed wood and charcoal.
It said should the desired results not be achieved concerning export of processed wood and charcoal, then there would be no hesitation in reversing the embargo on the two.
Speaking at the consultative workshop on the Implementation of Policy Guideline on Export of Processed Wood and Charcoal and the Nigeria Timber Legality standards in Abuja, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Yusufu said the government will continue to play its part by providing the enabling policy and guidance as well as oversight to ensure achievement of the desired results.
He said: “You will agree with me that the recent conditional lifting of embargo on processed wood and charcoal export, will not yield the desired results without setting in motion the necessary machinery such as this workshop designed to provide the impetus for process and procedure refining for sustainable utilisation and management of forest resources. We are all aware that the embargo was lifted conditionally.”
He noted that the workshop is aimed at discussing strategies for sustainable utilisation and management of the nation’s forest resources for investors, individuals, companies, exporters in the processed wood and charcoal business.
“As you are aware, series of events have taken place in recent times in the build-up to the take-off of the new policy on processed wood and charcoal export, the workshop is yet another step towards achieving responsible trade in the forest industry without compromising the integrity of the forests and in fulfillment of our commitment to national development agenda as well as Global Goals.”
He urged all the participants to take advantage of the workshop in understanding what the Timber Legality Standards are all about and be familiar with the roles and responsibilities, while stressing government efforts to ensure that processed wood and charcoal export activities do not impact negatively on the forests but rather contribute to job creation and national economic development.
He said: “At this juncture, I will like to urge as many of the Exporter Groups that are yet to establish their plantations to as a matter of urgency, do so and identify with us on this noble cause as the Ministry will not consider applications of Exporter Groups without verifiable evidence of owning forest plantations.
“Already, a number of applications have been received and are undergoing processing. Inspection visits have been made to some facilities and plantations of some applicants while Letters of Support will be issued only to the companies that meet the stipulated requirements.”
The Permanent Secretary, also added that the government would not relent in the ongoing efforts at increasing the nation’s forest cover and contributing to global emission reduction and climate change mitigation.
The Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Hajara Umar Sani, said that it is necessary that stakeholders meet to discuss implementation strategies of the Policy Guidelines on Processed Wood and Charcoal and domestication of the Nigeria Timber Legality Standards for efficient utilization and effective forest management before the commencement of export of these products.
She added that the workshop will ensure the sustainability of the wood, charcoal, and other allied products business in Nigeria.
She explained that: “This workshop would have come earlier but it is the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that processes that will guarantee the protection of our dwindling forest resources are followed. The primary reason was making sure all the measures that will aid SFM are in place in addition to making sure these are communicated to key stakeholders for smooth take-off of operation.”
It is appropriate to emphasize that all critical stakeholders in the wood, charcoal, and other allied products business endeavor to have a full understanding of the modus operandi of the export in the forestry sector because it is no longer business as usual, this is a new paradigm where actions taken in ignorance by anybody will not be condoned.
FG May Modify Policy On Charcoal Export
National News
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
** Says Nigeria, Ethiopia have the largest stake in Africa’s future by keeping continent green
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on nations of the world to be decisive about combating climate change, saying it is a danger that must be arrested with practical actions.
According to him, while the global threat is not one that can be resolved in a conference room, it requires each country to respond to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens confronting them.
The Nigerian Vice President, who stated this on Friday during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, said he was delighted to share in the joy of Ethiopia’s resolve to confront the threat posed by climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”
The Ethiopian Green Legacy Programme, which is designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.
Senator Shettima, who is in the East African country for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, implored nations to enhance their climate plans by doubling their adaptation and mitigation efforts.
He said, “We have long accepted that climate change is not a problem to be solved in a conference room; it is a danger we must arrest with practical actions, with each nation rising to the occasion by responding to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens they face.
“Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is one such response. It is an inspiring blueprint to reimagine the future. The promise of GLI is the dream of every nation. It is a lesson in vision, in purpose, and in audacity. For those of us who have followed this programme, the numbers are staggering, but the impact is even more compelling.
“To plant 20 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries, and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture, and build.”
VP Shettima noted that he was not in Ethiopia to only share in the country’s joy and exchange ideas but to also convey what he described as the deep and abiding solidarity of his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria.
Applauding those who made the Green Legacy Initiative a reality, he assured Ethiopia of Nigeria’s unflinching support, adding that both countries have the largest stake in Africa’s future.
“Ethiopia and Nigeria are the two most populous countries in Africa. This distinction is not just statistical; it is existential. It means we have the largest stake in Africa’s future. It means that more of our people are exposed to the peril of climate change, and it also means that we face the highest cost of inaction.
“This is why we are not mere spectators in this fight. We are partners. We are participants. And we are prepared to play our part to keep Africa green,” the Vice President pledged, just as he said it is the promise Nigeria and other nations have been making at the Conferences of the Parties (COP) every year.
“It is the pledge we renewed at the last COP in Azerbaijan. And today, we gather not only to stand by this promise but to celebrate the path Ethiopia has illuminated for the world,” he added.
Senator Shettima thanked the government and people of Ethiopia for the warmth and generosity extended to him and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
He said they felt at home, “not just because of the hospitality shown to them, but because the launch of the Green Legacy Programme resonates with the aspirations “to leave behind a planet fit for the dreams of generations to come.
In his address at the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries to make the Green Legacy a culture, adding that Ethiopia was proud of Nigeria and its bold move to embrace the green initiative.
The Prime Minister called for partnership across African countries, stating that it was time to place less emphasis on foreign aid and begin to focus more on indigenous and home-grown domestic ideas and visions.
“This year’s Green Legacy is to rise by planting, and it is in consonance with our plan to shock the world with our Green Legacy vision. We never received any aid when we set out to achieve our 20 billion tree planting initiative.
“We thank Nigeria for supporting and accepting this initiative. With its population and growing economy, we are sure that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as exemplified by the esteemed presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will go a long way in raising the awareness and collaborative effort needed amongst African countries,” the Prime Minister said.
He further expressed optimism that with Ethiopia’s hosting of the forthcoming United Nations summit on Climate Change, the stage is set for all hands to be on deck to achieve one of Ethiopia’s biggest green revolution plans.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima was guided through Ethiopia’s Unity Park, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, which showcase Ethiopia’s historic and transformative trajectory.
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the venue for the official launch of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Programme in Addis Ababa.
The project is part of Nigeria’s commitment to regional and continental collaboration on climate action and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, food security, and green economic growth.
VP Shettima is in the company of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
The Vice President, who is on an official state visit to Ethiopia, will participate in the launch ceremony of the environmental initiative aimed at combating deforestation and mitigating climate change effects.
The Green Legacy Programme targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period to enhance biodiversity and address environmental challenges across Ethiopia.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s existing endeavours in afforestation and reforestation, such as the Great Green Wall project, which focuses on restoring damaged environments, combating desertification, and fostering climate resilience throughout the Sahel region.
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.
He was received at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Dr. Gedion Timothewos and other members of the Ethiopian and Nigerian diplomatic corps.
During the visit, Vice President Shettima will participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, a flagship environmental initiative.
The programme designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.
In line with strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development, the Vice President will also embark on a strategic tour of key industrial zones and integrated agricultural facilities across selected regions of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
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