Nigeria Urged to Comply with EU’s Deforestation Regulation by 2025 Deadline

Nigeria risks losing its ability to export key commodities to the EU if it does not comply with the Deforestation Regulation by December 31, 2025. Experts stress the importance of collaboration and adaptive measures to address deforestation. Training sessions aim to equip stakeholders with the knowledge required for compliance, emphasizing that broader agricultural and urbanization issues also contribute to deforestation.

Experts warn that Nigeria faces export restrictions from the European Union (EU) on commodities such as rubber, palm oil, soya beans, wood, beef, cocoa, coffee, and charcoal if it does not comply with the EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by the upcoming deadline of December 31, 2025. This regulation, designed to combat greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, emphasizes the importance of ensuring that products do not contribute to global deforestation.

Florence Omolola Jones-Idowu, the President of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants, made this point during a training session organized by the association at the University of Ibadan. She indicated that Nigeria’s non-compliance may negatively impact its earnings from the specified products and their derivatives.

Jones-Idowu promotes a paradigm shift towards enhanced solutions for compliance through a Central Traceability and Release System, which includes necessary tree planting aligned with Nigerian Forestry Regulations and international certifications. She emphasized that while wood and charcoal exports are often blamed for deforestation, they are not the primary drivers, which also involve factors like agriculture, urbanization, and population growth.

The EUDR replaces the previous European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) and aims to address broader issues contributing to deforestation. Jones-Idowu called for collaborative efforts to tackle the complexity of deforestation rather than singling out specific commodities as the problem.

She highlighted that all products derived from EUDR-listed commodities could soon fall under scrutiny, including those packaged in materials such as cartons or paper bags. Products that integrate derivatives, such as latex in condoms, also face consequences of the EUDR that extends into various sectors, including health.

During the training, Jones-Idowu underscored the urgent need for collective action, noting that non-compliance could severely punish buyers and thus endanger Nigerian exporters. The workshop included stakeholders from relevant ministries and agencies, NGOs, associations, and exporters, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s knowledge and preparedness for the EUDR implementation.

In summary, Nigeria must urgently address compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation to avoid severe export penalties on critical commodities. Experts emphasize the broader implications of deforestation beyond just wood and charcoal, urging a cooperative effort among all stakeholders. With the deadline approaching, taking proactive measures is essential for Nigeria’s economic and environmental future.

Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com