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.
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.
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.