Nigeria Faces EU Deforestation Regulation Compliance Deadline
Nigeria must comply with the EU’s Deforestation Regulation by December 31, 2025, or face export restrictions on essential commodities. The regulation aims to prevent deforestation and forest degradation linked to agricultural products. Training programs are being conducted to prepare stakeholders across various sectors for compliance and sustainable practices.
Experts warn that Nigeria could face restrictions on exporting key commodities, including rubber, palm oil, soya beans, wood, beef, cocoa, coffee, and charcoal, to the European Union unless it complies with the EUDR by December 31, 2025. This regulation aims to ensure that products entering the EU market do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. The deadline was revised from January 1, 2025, providing EU member states additional time to comply.
Florence Omolola Jones-Idowu, President of Charcoal Legality, emphasized the economic ramifications of failing to meet this deadline, which could severely impact Nigeria’s revenue from these commodities. She underscored the necessity of implementing solutions such as the Central Traceability and Release System while focusing on sustainable practices like tree planting to align with Nigerian Forestry Regulations.
Jones-Idowu highlighted that wood and charcoal exports are not primary causes of deforestation in Nigeria, which is driven by other factors including population growth and urbanization. Furthermore, she observed that the EU’s previous regulation, the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), had been replaced by the EUDR to broaden the scope of compliance across various products.
She urged stakeholders to collaborate in addressing deforestation, recommending that regulatory compliance extends to all agro-exports and derivatives of EUDR-listed commodities. For instance, products like latex condoms, derived from rubber, will also fall under the EUDR’s jurisdiction, potentially impacting health sectors.
In response to the impending regulation, the training program conducted by SCS Global Services aimed to equip relevant ministries, agencies, NGOs, and industry representatives in Nigeria with the knowledge necessary for compliance. The initiative focused on understanding the EUDR requirements and fostering cooperative efforts among stakeholders across the value chain.
Jones-Idowu cautioned participants that non-compliance would not only burden exporters with fines but could also threaten their business viability. The urgency of the situation necessitates that all stakeholders unite to ensure successful compliance and sustainable practices within the country’s export sector.
In summary, Nigeria faces a critical juncture with the EU’s Deforestation Regulation requiring timely compliance to avoid restrictions on vital exports. The emphasis on collective action among stakeholders is crucial for sustainable practices and ensuring economic stability. The potential effects on varied sectors, including health, further underline the need for thorough preparation and adherence to these regulations.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
