Tropical Wood Exporters Association of Nigeria (TWEAN) has said that the new guidelines of wood exportation, will help eliminate fake and illegal operators, which will in turn industrialise the Nigerian economy.
Chairman of TWEAN; Mr. Ibitayo Omotoye stated this last week during an exclusive chat with Shipping Position Daily, shortly after a sensitisation programme organised in Lagos for wood exporters.
Omotoye said that the new guideline of government to cut one tree and plant five will create more job opportunities, adding that the introduction of Convention and International Trade for Endangered Species (CITES) to the international trade is geared towards ensuring the protection of specific plants and animal.
According to him, a situation whereby some trees are over-logged result to regulation hence after exportation the shipper must obtain a CITES permit that will enable the clearance procedures to be effected.
He explained that the ministry of environment was invited to the forum to give the shippers some sense of belonging on how go about the new guidelines on wood export ,in a bid for better understanding.
"Some of the people are confused about CITES and in order to hear from the horse’s mouth ,the programme was organised and by now they are aware on how to go about wood export procedures"
He said Nigeria has been assigned as a CITES state worldwide, adding that she is now a signatory to member states who are CITES certified.
The TWEAN boss, explained that some exports are being confiscated due to lack of proper guidelines, but with the new document in place, Nigeria exporters will no longer have challenges once the document are genuinely obtained.
"It is a good development because it will fish out the touts, it will help the industry to grow by creating employment and we can be able to generate revenue for government"
On his part, Secretary General of TWEAN, Mr. Joseph Odiase urged the shippers to adjust to government roles and regulation, calling on the government to make the guideline flexible for the operators to do their businesses without unnecessary bottlenecks.
According to him, there are several certificates associated with wood export trade, but he said with the new policy in place, where the signatory of the minister alone may lead to delay in trade.
"Government has to make it flexible if it is going to super impose our signature and give it to trusted officer who will oversee it and make it better for us "
He lauded the government for the introduction of the certificate, saying that it will protect endangered woods or animals and it is an international convention which Nigeria belong.
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