About NACPDEAN
The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) is the recognized national umbrella body dedicated to coordinating, regulating and promoting stakeholders across Nigeria's charcoal value chain while championing sustainable forestry, afforestation and responsible export development.
About NACPDEAN
The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) is the recognized national umbrella body established to coordinate, regulate, organize, promote and represent stakeholders operating across the charcoal value chain in Nigeria.
NACPDEAN was established to provide a unified institutional platform for charcoal producers, dealers, exporters, processors, marketers, investors, transporters, warehouse operators, afforestation practitioners and other stakeholders within the sector.
The Association serves as a bridge between industry operators, government institutions, development partners, investors and the international market, ensuring that the charcoal industry contributes meaningfully to economic growth, environmental sustainability, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings.
The Association was formally incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of Nigeria on 6 June 2022 under Registration Number IT182068.
Today, NACPDEAN stands as the foremost national body championing responsible charcoal production, sustainable forest management, environmental restoration, afforestation, export promotion and industry regulation throughout Nigeria.
Vision & Mission
Guided by a clear vision and driven by a strong mission, NACPDEAN is committed to building a sustainable, globally competitive and environmentally responsible charcoal industry.
Our Vision
To be the leading national institution promoting sustainable charcoal production, afforestation, environmental stewardship, export excellence and economic prosperity in Nigeria and Africa.
Our Mission
- Promote sustainable and environmentally responsible charcoal production practices.
- Establish an efficient compliance and licensing framework for industry stakeholders.
- Protect and restore forest resources through nationwide afforestation initiatives.
- Facilitate responsible domestic and international charcoal trade.
- Enhance stakeholder capacity through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships.
- Support government efforts in environmental protection, economic development and resource management.
- Leverage technology for transparency, accountability and operational efficiency within the industry.
Core Values
Our values guide every decision, partnership and initiative, ensuring that we operate with integrity while promoting sustainable development across Nigeria's charcoal industry.
Integrity
We uphold honesty, professionalism, accountability and ethical conduct in all our activities.
Sustainability
We promote responsible charcoal production, afforestation and long-term environmental conservation.
Compliance
We encourage adherence to applicable laws, regulations and industry standards.
Transparency
We foster openness, trust and accountability in our governance, partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
Environmental Responsibility
We are committed to protecting forest resources, restoring ecosystems and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Historical Background & Rationale for Establishment
Understanding why NACPDEAN was established and the challenges that led to the creation of a unified national body for Nigeria's charcoal industry.
The establishment of NACPDEAN was necessitated by the growing challenges confronting Nigeria's charcoal industry over several years.
Prior to the formation of the Association, the charcoal sector operated largely without an organized national structure, resulting in numerous operational, environmental and regulatory challenges. The absence of a coordinating body created opportunities for illegal trading, unregulated production, poor data management and unsustainable exploitation of forest resources.
Major Challenges Facing the Industry
🌳 Increasing Deforestation
Nigeria experienced increasing pressure on its forest resources due to indiscriminate tree felling and unsustainable harvesting practices. In many instances, charcoal production activities were conducted without adequate replanting programmes, leading to concerns about environmental degradation and forest depletion.
🤝 Absence of Industry Coordination
There was no unified national platform to coordinate stakeholders across the charcoal value chain. Producers, dealers, exporters and marketers operated independently without common standards, accountability mechanisms or industry regulations.
⚠ Illegal Trading Activities
The lack of regulation encouraged the emergence of illegal operators who engaged in unauthorized production, trading and export activities. This created reputational challenges for legitimate businesses and hindered government efforts to properly monitor the sector.
📊 Inadequate Industry Data
There was no comprehensive database of operators, production volumes, export statistics or industry participants. The absence of reliable data made policy formulation, planning and regulation extremely difficult.
🌱 Lack of Afforestation
One of the major concerns identified within the sector was the absence of organized afforestation programmes. There was little effort toward replacing harvested trees, resulting in concerns about sustainability and environmental conservation.
⚖ Export Regulation Challenges
The absence of a recognized national body made it difficult for government agencies to effectively engage industry stakeholders and implement regulatory reforms.
Government Response
As concerns regarding deforestation increased, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, took administrative measures aimed at addressing the situation.
Consequently, an administrative ban on charcoal exportation was enforced through the Nigeria Customs Service on 25 May 2021. The action was based on concerns that charcoal export activities were contributing significantly to deforestation and environmental degradation.
However, subsequent engagements revealed that the absence of proper industry coordination, stakeholder regulation and sustainable forestry programmes was the underlying challenge rather than export activities alone.
Recognizing the economic importance of the charcoal industry and its contribution to non-oil exports, employment generation and foreign exchange earnings, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment initiated consultations with stakeholders and relevant government institutions on the need to establish a national commodity association for the charcoal sector.
Founding Institutions
- Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
- Federal Ministry of Environment
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
- Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN)
- Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
- Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC)
- Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Other Relevant Stakeholders and Industry Operators
First National Election & Inauguration
Key milestones in the establishment of the Association's leadership and national recognition.
3 Dec 2021
Maiden National Election
Following its establishment, NACPDEAN conducted its maiden national election on 3rd December 2021.
First President
Election of the First National Executive
The election produced Mr. Edu Babatunde as the first National President of the Association alongside the first National Executive Committee.
11 Dec 2021
Official Inauguration
The elected leadership was formally inaugurated on 11th December 2021 and charged with the responsibility of building a sustainable, accountable and nationally recognized institution capable of transforming the charcoal industry.
July 2024
Official National Launch
NACPDEAN was officially launched nationally, introducing the Association to government institutions, development partners, investors and stakeholders across Nigeria.
Legal Status & Registration
NACPDEAN is a legally recognized national association committed to promoting responsible charcoal production, environmental sustainability, and industry development throughout Nigeria.
The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) is a duly registered national association established to promote, regulate, coordinate and protect the interests of stakeholders within the charcoal production, marketing and export value chain in Nigeria.
The Association is authorized to conduct its activities throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria and operates under its Constitution and approved operational guidelines.
NACPDEAN is committed to ensuring compliance with applicable laws, environmental sustainability standards and ethical business practices while maintaining legal standing to enter partnerships, receive memberships, issue operational compliance documents and undertake activities consistent with its objectives and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Registration Details
Federal Republic of Nigeria
IT182068
6 June 2022
Entire Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Recognition
Registered national association under Nigerian law.
Partnerships
Authorized to establish partnerships and collaborations.
Compliance
Issues operational compliance documentation.
Nationwide
Authorized to operate across all states in Nigeria.
Objectives of the Association
NACPDEAN is committed to building a sustainable, transparent and globally competitive charcoal industry that contributes to Nigeria's economic development and environmental protection.
Industry Coordination
Coordinate and regulate stakeholders within the charcoal industry.
Sustainable Production
Promote sustainable charcoal production and responsible environmental practices.
Afforestation
Encourage nationwide afforestation and reforestation initiatives.
Environmental Protection
Reduce environmental degradation and support forest conservation.
Government Support
Support Federal Government environmental and regulatory policies.
Export Development
Promote responsible non-oil export development and foreign exchange earnings.
Industry Database
Maintain a comprehensive database of industry stakeholders.
Research & Development
Facilitate research, innovation and technological advancement.
Industry Standards
Establish operational standards and compliance mechanisms.
Investment Promotion
Attract investments into the charcoal value chain.
Capacity Building
Facilitate education, training and stakeholder development.
Transparency & Collaboration
Protect members' interests, strengthen public-private collaboration and promote transparency and accountability.
Organizational Structure
NACPDEAN operates through a structured leadership system designed to ensure effective governance, transparency, accountability and nationwide coordination of the charcoal industry.
Governing Council
Highest policy-making organ of the Association.
Patrons
Provide guidance and institutional support.
Board of Trustees
(B.O.T)
National Executive Council
(N.E.C)
National Working Committee
(N.W.C)
General Council
(G.C)
State Executive Committee
(S.E.C)
Local Government Executive Committee
(L.E.C)
Standing Committees
Specialized committees established to support the implementation of the Association's objectives.
Afforestation Committee
Finance Committee
Task-force & Compliance Committee
Trade & Export Committee
Membership Committee
Research & Development Committee
Communication & Public Relations Committee
Scope of Operations
NACPDEAN operates across the entire charcoal value chain, bringing together stakeholders involved in production, processing, transportation, export and environmental sustainability throughout Nigeria.
Charcoal Producers
Charcoal Dealers
Charcoal Exporters
Charcoal Processors
Charcoal Marketers
Aggregators
Transporters
Warehouse Operators
Investors
Afforestation Practitioners
Forestry Stakeholders
Cooperatives
Community-Based Organizations
International Buyers & Trade Partners
Afforestation & Environmental Sustainability
NACPDEAN is committed to promoting responsible charcoal production through sustainable forest management, environmental conservation and nationwide afforestation initiatives.
Protecting Nigeria's Forest Resources
One of the fundamental reasons for the establishment of NACPDEAN is the urgent need to address deforestation and promote afforestation within Nigeria's charcoal and forest products industry. The Association recognizes that sustainable charcoal production can only be achieved through responsible forest management, environmental conservation, and long-term ecological stewardship.
In response to the increasing challenges posed by deforestation, climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss, NACPDEAN has developed a comprehensive National Afforestation and Environmental Sustainability Programme. The programme is designed to restore degraded landscapes, conserve ecosystems, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities across Nigeria.
To successfully implement this programme, the Association will establish a nationwide network of plant nurseries dedicated to the production and supply of high-quality, disease-free, and climate-resilient tree seedlings suited to Nigeria's diverse agro-ecological zones. This initiative will ensure quality control, traceability, and sustainability in plantation development while significantly reducing the high costs associated with large-scale seedling procurement and dependence on external suppliers.
Our Environmental Commitments
To achieve its environmental and sustainability objectives, NACPDEAN is committed to:
- Organizing nationwide tree-planting campaigns and community afforestation programmes.
- Implementing forest regeneration and ecosystem restoration projects.
- Establishing commercial, industrial, and community-based plantations.
- Promoting sustainable harvesting practices and responsible forest management.
- Supporting climate change mitigation and environmental conservation initiatives.
- Conducting environmental education, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns.
- Building strategic partnerships with government agencies, development partners, research institutions, and environmental organizations.
Plantation Development Model
The Association's plantation development model will adopt a balanced 60:40 ratio comprising:
60%
Economic Tree Species
To generate income, create employment opportunities, promote trade, and support industrial development.
40%
Indigenous & Environmental Tree Species
To restore ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, protect watersheds, improve soil fertility, and strengthen environmental resilience.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
This integrated approach combines ecological restoration with socio-economic development, making afforestation not only an environmental necessity but also a strategic instrument for sustainable national growth and rural livelihood enhancement.
NACPDEAN firmly believes that every stakeholder within the charcoal and forest products value chain has a collective responsibility to protect the environment and actively participate in afforestation initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry for present and future generations.
Join NACPDEAN Today
Become a member of the National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) and join a nationwide network committed to sustainable charcoal production, responsible forest management, export development, environmental conservation, and economic growth.
National Recognition
Industry Representation
Training & Capacity Building
Export Opportunities
Environmental Sustainability
Strategic Partnerships
Join Our Community
Together we can build a sustainable charcoal industry, protect Nigeria's forests, and create lasting economic opportunities for future generations.