Stories by Matthew Denis
Following the ban on production and sales of charcoal in Kwara State, the Harmony Charcoal Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria has appealed to the state government to rescind the decision.
The appeal was made by Secretary of the association, Alhaji Alalikinla AbdulRaheem while addressing pressmen in Ilorin at the weekend.
He said, “The association is ready to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government on how to protect the forestry.
“We are appealing to the state government to have mercy on us. Some of us have taken loans to execute our business. We are ready to abide by the rules and regulations guiding our forestries. Those who violate the law should be brought to book.
“Our colleagues are already counting losses due to huge debts they have incurred from Micro Finance Banks like SEAP, LAPO among others. If nothing is done on time, this might lead some of our members into committing suicide, “he stressed.
According to him, some members started the business years ago and would find it difficult to venture into another enterprise to sustain themselves and their families.
The Secretary however called on the state government to provide alternatives for people in the business before banning the production and sale of charcoal.
Recall that the state Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has signed into law an amendment bill prohibiting the production, transportation, storage or sale of charcoal in the state.
The Governor said, “The amendment was necessitated by the need to strengthen existing laws against charcoal production and transportation in a bid to protect the environment and preserve our natural resources, especially valuable cash crops that can boost the state’s economy.
“The bill seeks to protect the state’s ecosystem and prevail it from desertification occasioned by indiscriminate felling of trees.
Under the new law, an offender shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding N100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both. The person shall also forfeit to the government the charcoal and any vehicle, equipment or implement used in the commission of the offence.
