THE Federal Government on Thursday lifted the ban on wood and charcoal exportation.
Minister of Environment, Mohammed H. Abdullahi, said this in Abuja during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the review of ban on charcoal and suspension of the export of processed wood and other allied products.
Abdullahi said many businesses had been affected by the ban.
He said the decision 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 any time if there is no compliance with the laid down rules and regulations,” the minister said.
