Nigeria could face a ban on wood and charcoal exports to European countries if it fails to comply with the December 2025 deadline set by the European Union (EU) Deforestation Regulation, warns Omolola Johnson, President of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants (Charcoal Legality).
Speaking at a training program on EU deforestation regulations held at the University of Ibadan Hotel, Johnson emphasized the need for compliance with the new EU trade act, which aims to eliminate deforestation-related products from European markets.
She clarified misconceptions, stating that wood and charcoal are not the main causes of deforestation, attributing the issue instead to agriculture, housing, and population growth. According to her, Nigerian exporters must align with EU standards on legality and certification to maintain access to the European market.
“The EU initially set January 1, 2025, as the enforcement date but has extended it to December 3, 2025. By January 1, 2026, strict compliance will be required. If we fail to adapt, Nigerian exports may be denied entry into Europe,” she warned.
Adding to the discussion, Felicia Udeh, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, highlighted the importance of awareness and education on deforestation. She stressed that sensitization is crucial for farmers and exporters to understand why the EU is implementing these regulations and how they can adapt to the changes.
