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By, Joke Thomas
The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) has received commendation for its afforestation efforts.
Resounding applauses came in as Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC), hosted a pivotal stakeholders summit on July 30, 2025, at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, under the theme: “Trade and Trees – Rethinking Charcoal Production and the Vanishing Forest.”
The president of NACPDEAN, Mr. Babatunde Edu, in his contribution during the Panel discussion session, addressed misconceptions around charcoal trade and deforestation, saying the association has been at the vanguard of promoting the “Cut-1-Tree-Plant-5” afforestation model. He also, revealed plans for a government-backed task force to curb illegal tree felling, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope.
Mr. Ojei (Acting National Secretary-General) and Stephen Adeoye (Director of Afforestation) reinforced the association’s commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
The summit discussions centred on key areas like Reform pathways for sustainable charcoal production, together with Regulatory and environmental gaps in the current system.
Notable individuals at the event includes Hon. Minister of State for Education, Dr. N.A. Zauro, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion in the office of the Vice President, Principal Secretary, Ecological Project Office, OSGF, The Presidency, Ambassador of Belgium, National Coordinator, Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme implemented by United Nations Development Programme UNDP GEF SGP, representative of the Custom Service, Hon. Jabir TSauri, MD/CEO AUDA NEPAD and host of others
The communique at the end of the event emphasized that the summit marks a constructive step toward balancing economic activity in the charcoal sector with urgent climate and forestry concerns, signaling a shift towards regulated, responsible production guided by policy-backed afforestation, as recommended.
