Author: Flowerbud News

By Opeyemi Ibrahim

The National Association of Charcoal Producers, Dealers, Exporters and Afforestation of Nigeria (NACPDEAN) has stated that the publication by Punch Newspaper dated Monday, 10th August 2025 reported by Godfrey George , misrepresented facts regarding the legal status and regulatory framework of charcoal export in Nigeria.

The Acting Secretary-General, Mr Ojei Uche Joseph said this in a press rejoinder on Thursday in Abuja.
“In reporting on the Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change (CREACC) event held on 30th July 2025, the publication claimed that “despite a ban on charcoal since 2018 by the Federal Government, enforcement has been weak.” This statement is factually incorrect and misleading.”
While clarifying the Legal Position, Ojei said, contrary to the report by Punch Newspaper, the last official administrative suspension on the export of charcoal and wood products by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Environment was issued on 25th May 2021.
“This administrative suspension was lifted on 19th January 2023 by the same Federal Ministry of Environment, following consultations with stakeholders. Since then, the production, trade, and export of charcoal have been fully recognized as legal, both locally and internationally, provided all regulatory requirements are met.”

Addressing the Regulation and Compliance, NACPDEAN President, Edu Babatunde reiterates that there is nothing illegal about engaging in the charcoal trade when conducted responsibly and in compliance with existing guidelines.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE), working with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has put in place revised regulations to ensure sustainability, environmental responsibility, and proper trade monitoring.

“These regulations include: Mandatory acquisition of a Support Letter from the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMOE) for all exporting companies, Approval from the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) before shipments, Compliance with relevant duties and levies when exporting via land borders or seaports and ,Afforestation requirements, mandating the planting of three (3) trees for every tree fell which is prerequisite for the Support Letter.
“It is important to clarify that exporting through Nigeria’s land borders is not illegal, provided that all due processes and regulatory requirements are duly complied with,” Edu stated. This fact was clearly stated by the Nigeria Customs Service representative during the CREACC event, contrary to the misleading impression conveyed by the Punch report, “ he said.

The National President, Edu Babatunde in addressing the Informal Sector, said, while formal trade is regulated, he acknowledged that a portion of the charcoal trade remains informal, making oversight more challenging.
“NACPDEAN is working closely with government agencies, including enforcement bodies and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to integrate informal operators into the formal system for better monitoring and compliance.”

Edu stressed the association’s commitment to strengthening enforcement.
“NACPDEAN is actively collaborating with the FMITI, FMOE, and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), security agencies, and other trade associations to implement a comprehensive enforcement framework for the sector. This will ensure that all stakeholders operate responsibly, with particular emphasis on afforestation and environmental sustainability.”

Addressing the Stakeholder Consensus on Regulation at the CREACC Event, which was attended by senior government officials, representatives from the United Nations, and other dignitaries, he said there was unanimous agreement on the need to strengthen the regulatory framework for charcoal production and trade. This includes enhancing afforestation efforts nationwide to secure the long-term sustainability of the industry.

“Charcoal remains a critical household energy source for approximately 70% of Nigerian homes while also serving as a viable export commodity. For this reason, the Federal Government has not considered any renewed ban but instead prioritises regulation and sustainability in the trade,” Ojei said.

Stephen Adeoye, Director of Afforestation of the association, said that NACPDEAN has adopted a self-monitoring and self-assessment mechanism to ensure traceability, environmental responsibility, and compliance with afforestation obligations across both the domestic and export segments of the market.”

He further encourages the public, media, and stakeholders to trust verified information about the sector and to help work together to manage and maintain Nigeria’s charcoal industry for economic growth and environmental balance.
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Federal Government Criticizes Viral Video by Abuja Car Dealer Over Civil Servants Affordability Joke

Abuja, Nigeria – June 2, 2025 — The Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has strongly criticized a viral video posted by Abuja-based luxury car dealer, Alamin Sarkinmota, for making light of the financial struggles of Nigerian civil servants.

In the trending clip, Sarkinmota is seen promoting a 2023 model of the Mercedes-Benz C300, asking the car’s artificial intelligence system, “Can civil servants afford you?” The vehicle’s response — “No! Maybe in 2062” — sparked public outrage and prompted an official response from the NOA.

Government Condemns Disrespect Toward Civil Workers

Reacting to the video, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu labeled the content as distasteful and harmful to the image of hardworking government employees. He argued that using satire to highlight economic challenges in a way that demeans a specific group is not acceptable, especially coming from a high-profile entrepreneur.

> “Civil servants are critical to the functioning of this country. They deserve encouragement and respect, not public mockery,” Issa-Onilu stated.

He further urged business owners and influencers to exercise discretion and empathy in their communication, especially on sensitive socioeconomic matters.

Nigerians React: Joke or Hard Truth?

The viral video has divided public opinion. Some Nigerians agree with the NOA, asserting that the content was inappropriate and dismissive of the realities facing public workers. Others, however, view the video as an uncomfortable but honest commentary on the growing wage gap in Nigeria.

For many, the clip was a reflection of the broader issue of income disparity, where even basic comfort — let alone luxury — remains out of reach for those employed in the public sector.

No Apology Yet from Sarkinmota

As of press time, Sarkinmota has neither retracted the video nor issued a public apology. Close associates insist the clip was meant to be humorous and should not be taken out of context.

Still, the controversy has spotlighted the deeper struggles of Nigerian civil servants, including poor wages, delayed payments, and a lack of purchasing power in a high-inflation economy.

A Wake-Up Call or Missed Opportunity?

This incident has triggered broader discussions about how marketing and influencer content intersects with public perception, ethics, and national morale. While some see the government’s response as heavy-handed, others believe it’s a necessary reminder of the role of content creators in shaping societal values.

Whether intended as satire or not, the video has brought national attention to the challenges facing civil servants — and the disconnect between luxury marketing and economic reality for millions of Nigerians.

In the heart of Northern Nigeria, where access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has historically been limited, one young man is making a significant impact. Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi, a passionate advocate for digital literacy, is dedicated to equipping the youth of the region with essential ICT skills, bridging the digital divide, and fostering a generation of tech-savvy leaders.

Bello’s journey into the world of ICT began at the Federal Government Girls College in Jalingo, where he spearheaded initiatives that transformed the school’s technological landscape. Notably, he led the development of an internal e-library system and managed the school’s Learning Management System (LMS), providing students with unprecedented access to digital resources and online learning platforms. ([LinkedIn][1])

Recognizing the power of technology in education, Bello expanded his efforts beyond the classroom. He collaborated with various organizations to organize ICT training workshops, targeting young individuals across the northern states. These workshops focused on practical skills such as coding, graphic design, and digital marketing, empowering participants to pursue careers in the burgeoning tech industry.

His commitment to youth empowerment through technology has not gone unnoticed. Bello has been featured in several media outlets, highlighting his contributions to digital education in Northern Nigeria. His work serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and vision, young individuals can drive significant change in their communities.

As the digital age continues to evolve, Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi remains at the forefront of ICT education in Northern Nigeria. Through his initiatives, he is not only imparting technical skills but also instilling a mindset of innovation and resilience among the youth, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate and succeed in the digital world.

In a region where opportunities in technology have often been scarce, Bello’s efforts are a beacon of hope, proving that with the right guidance and resources, the youth of Northern Nigeria can thrive in the global digital economy.
Edited8:22 PM
Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi: From Humble Beginnings to ICT Trailblazer

Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Northern Nigeria, Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi’s journey from a small-town boy to a rising star in the world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a story of perseverance, vision, and determination. Growing up in a region where access to advanced technology was a challenge, Bello’s passion for learning and technology ignited at an early age.

In the modest surroundings of his childhood home, Bello’s curiosity was nurtured by his relentless desire to understand how things worked. His fascination with computers began when he got his first glimpse of a computer in his school’s library. It wasn’t long before he started experimenting with basic computer programs, even teaching himself how to code using online resources.

Despite the limited resources available in his community, Bello’s drive to learn never faltered. He was known for his insatiable thirst for knowledge, often spending hours after school in local internet cafes, devouring every bit of information he could find on computer science and technology. His family, recognizing his potential, supported his journey, though they did so with the little they had.

His school years were filled with numerous challenges, including access to textbooks, computers, and other educational materials. However, Bello didn’t allow these obstacles to deter him. Instead, they fueled his ambition. With limited access to formal ICT training, he turned to self-study, using whatever resources he could find, from online tutorials to free digital content, gradually building his knowledge base and expanding his skills.

Bello’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Growing up in a region where digital literacy was not yet widespread, he broke through the barriers and built a foundation for himself in the field of ICT. His humble beginnings shaped his character and gave him the resilience needed to pursue his dreams, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.

Today, Bello Tobiloba Abdullahi stands as an inspiration to many young Nigerians, particularly those from the northern region. His story is proof that no matter where you come from or the resources at your disposal, determination and a passion for knowledge can propel you toward success.