Trade and Trees: Rethinking Charcoal Production and the Vanishing Forest

On 30^th Wednesday July, 2025, the Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC) convened a high-level stakeholder dialogue titled “Trade and Trees: Rethinking Charcoal Production and the Vanishing Forest.” The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, environmental advocates, and community leaders to discuss the delicate balance between Nigeria’s charcoal trade and the urgent need for forest preservation.

During the “Charcoal Exports and Forest Preservation” session, Mr. Pierre-Louis Bonnel, representing the Embassy of France in Nigeria, delivered powerful remarks on France’s active role in promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods across Nigeria. He highlighted the embassy’s commitment to environmental conservation, underscoring tangible initiatives such as the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society, which empowers Nigerian communities and civil society organizations to implement projects tackling local challenges — from economic diversification to reforestation efforts.

The Ambassador of Belgium to Nigeria, His Excellency Pieter Leenknegt, added a critical perspective, stressing the data gap that continues to hinder effective forest conservation. He reaffirmed that Nigeria and Belgium share common values on global issues including human rights and climate change, noting that better data is essential for sound policy and action.

Following the dialogue, CREACC’s Executive Director, Usman Muhammad (Mareri), addressed journalists, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable charcoal production as a cornerstone of safeguarding Nigeria’s forests. He called for a balanced approach — one that recognizes the economic realities of charcoal exports while prioritizing aggressive reforestation programs and supporting alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on forest products.

“Our forests’ future depends on collective action, informed policy, and robust enforcement,” Mareri stressed. “Sustainable and equitable charcoal trade is possible if we all play our part.”

The “Trade and Trees” dialogue served as a platform for candid conversations, cross-sector collaboration, and renewed commitments to address the environmental and economic complexities of Nigeria’s charcoal industry.

CREACC remains committed to working with government agencies, development partners, and communities to close the data gap, strengthen environmental policies, and champion sustainable forest management for generations to come.