Nigeria faces potential export bans on critical commodities like rubber and palm oil if it does not meet the EU’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation by December 31, 2025. Experts highlight the need for a Central Traceability and Release System to promote compliance, while also emphasizing that the main drivers of deforestation involve more than just wood and charcoal. The urgency for stakeholders to prepare is critical in light of the upcoming deadline.
Experts warn that Nigeria will face export restrictions on key commodities like rubber, palm oil, soya beans, and others if it doesn’t comply with the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) by the December 31, 2025 deadline. This will impact products linked to deforestation and aims to address global greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. The EU shifted the original implementation deadline from January 1, 2025, to ensure better compliance among its members.
At a recent training event at the University of Ibadan, Florence Omolola Jones-Idowu, President of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants, emphasized the economic consequences of non-compliance. She urged the establishment of a Central Traceability and Release System, coupled with robust tree planting efforts, to align with Nigerian Forestry Regulations and ensure compliance with the international standards set by the EUDR.
Jones-Idowu stressed that wood and charcoal are not the main drivers of deforestation; rather, population growth, agriculture, urbanization, and globalization are critical factors. She highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to tackle deforestation, warning that the EUDR could eventually impact all agro-exports to the EU, including derivatives from listed commodities.
Jones-Idowu provided examples of how the regulation could affect various sectors, including healthcare, by restricting products like condoms made from rubber latex. She noted the urgency for stakeholders to prepare, as there are only ten months remaining until the EUDR’s enforcement. Nigeria’s previous experiences with the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) will inform compliance strategies moving forward.
The training session included representatives from relevant Nigerian ministries, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to build capacity along the value chain for EUDR-listed commodities. Conducted by SCS Global Services, this initiative aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools necessary for compliance.
In summary, Nigeria must comply with the EU’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation by December 31, 2025, to avoid significant export limitations on essential agricultural commodities. This regulation seeks to mitigate deforestation and protect global biodiversity while ensuring a sustainable approach to resource management. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are vital for success, as failure to comply could jeopardize Nigeria’s position in the global market for numerous products.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
