Nigeria faces a significant challenge in meeting the EU’s Deforestation Regulation deadline of December 31, 2025, risking exports of crucial commodities. Experts emphasize the need for compliance to prevent economic losses, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure adherence to the new regulations.
Experts warn that Nigeria risks losing its export opportunities for key commodities such as rubber, palm oil, soybeans, wood, beef, cocoa, coffee, charcoal, and their derivatives unless it complies with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by the looming deadline of December 31, 2025. This deadline has been moved up from January 1, 2025, to allow adequate time for compliance, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving biodiversity.
The EUDR mandates that products consumed within the EU must not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation anywhere in the world. Florence Omolola Jones-Idowu, the President of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants, emphasized at a recent training program that Nigeria’s failure to meet this deadline could adversely affect its earnings from various commodities listed under the EUDR.
Jones-Idowu proposed changes to the current approach, suggesting the implementation of a Central Traceability and Release System. This system should include initiatives focused on tree planting that align with Nigerian Forestry Regulations, international certification standards, and compliance with the EUDR, linked to the volume of forest harvest and natural regeneration.
She asserted that while wood and charcoal exports are often blamed for deforestation, there are multiple significant drivers, including population growth, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and the repercussions of globalization. Consequently, collective efforts are necessary to tackle deforestation issues rather than singling out specific products.
The previous European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) has been replaced by the EUDR, which broadens the regulations impacting Nigerian exports. Jones-Idowu cautioned that failure to comply could enable repercussions extending to agro-exports and products derived from EUDR-listed commodities. This includes items such as packaging materials and health products linked to these commodities.
Jones-Idowu addressed the urgency of compliance, highlighting the narrow timeframe remaining before the EUDR is fully implemented. She noted that experience derived from compliance with the EUTR has equipped exporters with insights into the new regulations regarding legality, standards, and reforestation efforts.
The training aimed to enhance local understanding of the EUDR among relevant stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, NGOs, and exporters involved with EUDR-listed products. Conducted by SCS Global Services, this initiative seeks to build capacity all along the value chain to ensure that Nigeria can meet the new standards and continue to export its important commodities.
In summary, the impending EU Deforestation Regulation presents a critical challenge for Nigeria’s commodity exports. Without compliance by December 31, 2025, Nigeria stands to lose significant market access, affecting key economic sectors. It is imperative that stakeholders collaborate to establish effective traceability systems and sustainable practices to comply with the new regulations. Adequate preparation and concerted efforts are necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s export potential and address broader deforestation issues.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
