The Federal Government has implemented significant changes to wood export from Nigeria, including a 150 percent increase in charges for indigenous exporters, raising the fee to N250,000 per 20 feet container from N100,000. Foreign exporters face an even steeper hike, with charges soaring by 350 percent from N150,000 to N500,000 per 20 feet container.
Moreover, the government has imposed restrictions on wood export, capping it at a maximum of 200 containers per year per company. These directives are outlined in a new policy issued by the Department of Forestry under the Federal Ministry of Environment, governing the production, processing, and export of processed wood.
Mr. Joe Odiase, Secretary of the Tropical Wood Exporters Association of Nigeria (TWEAN), commented on the development, stating that the new policy guidelines aim to regulate the wood sector, potentially generating up to 5 million jobs along the wood value chain.
Outlined in the guideline titled ‘Policy guideline for the production, processing and export of processed wood,’ the government emphasizes the formation of processed wood producers, processors, or exporters associations by all commercial wood processors or exporters in Nigeria.
The policy further states, “Based on the sustainability principle, the Ministry from time to time shall determine the amount of processed wood to be exported and export charges paid to the government.”
Indigenous exporters will be charged N250,000 per 20 feet container, while foreign exporters will pay N500,000 per 20 feet container. Additionally, no company will be permitted to export more than 200 containers per year.
