Exporters: Wood Export now Highly Regulated

Tropical Wood Exporters Association of Nigeria (TWEAN), has said that since the ban on wood export from Nigeria was lifted last year by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and Flora (CITIES), Nigeria wood industry has become highly regulated and creating increased economic activities in the sector.

The General Secretary of TWEAN, Mr. Joe Odiase in a chat with newsmen said that since the ban was lifted last year coupled with government’s pro-activeness to grow the sector, more furniture manufacturing companies are coming into the wood industry.

Odiase disclosed that the sector currently engage about 5million Nigerians in the value chain of the wood processing industry adding that more could still be done if the policies guiding the sector are fully implemented.

He also said that the Minister of Environment has met with several stakeholders in the wood industry so as ensure every stakeholder is carried along in the process of growing the industry.

He said: “The Minister of Environment has had several stakeholders meeting with saw millers, with exporters, with local furniture makers and also visited the management of the Nigeria Customs Service to discuss the ease of exporting wood.

“You cannot export without specifications from the Ministry, you cannot export without contributing to the aforestation programme of government, which is also contained in the policy guidelines on wood export.

“President has brought about policies that have allowed the industry to flourish because after six or years of suspension, and with the economy situation of the country over five million Nigerian gets engaged in the wood value chain.”