The Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment, in Abuja, on Sunday, said it was working to end illegal logging of the nation’s timber products by next month.
Mr Thomas Fameso, the ministry’s Deputy Director, Forest Utilisation, said that the country would soon sign a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union (EU).
He said as a result of this, the stoppage of illegal logging of timber products would likely take effect from February.
VPA regulation empowers the EU to sign legally-binding trade agreements with timber-producing countries.
The regulation also prohibits placing timber on the EU market if the timber is illegally harvested.
Fameso gave assurances that the Nigerian forest management, through the agreement would abide by the terms of agreement to improve on the nation’s forestry production.
He said the agreement, when in force, would also improve on forest conservation in the country, just as it would engender global best practices in forestry administration.
“The EU timber regulations prohibit placing of timber on the EU market if the timber is illegally harvested, especially when no VPA is signed.
“So, for countries like Nigeria that have not signed a VPA, timber is still allowed into the EU.
“But the importers must demonstrate that they have complied if there is significant risk of the timber coming from illegal sources and assure mitigation of the risks.
“The VPA will engender adequate forest production in Nigeria, as we are going to abide by the terms of its agreement,” the ministry official said.
The deputy director also said the EU regulations were essential to the preservation of matured forest due to its role in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Ameso, who decried incessant destruction of forest resources in Nigeria, noted that the continuous harvest of matured forests was impacting negatively on the nation’s atmospheric conditions.
He also advised timber producers and traders to keep abreast with the VPA regulations for accuracy of detailed information.
VPA is an international instrument laid down by the EU for the regulation of timber production and trading.
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