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Nigeria Rakes in N65.85bn from Firewood Exports in Stunning Trade Surge
Amid a surge in demand for biomass energy across West Africa, Nigeria exported energy wood products worth N65.85 billion in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The figures, detailed in the NBS report titled ‘Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics’ and obtained by Sunday PUNCH, reveal that the bulk of these exports — N65.65 billion — went to other African nations, with ECOWAS countries accounting for N49.15 billion, or over 74% of the total value.
The exported goods, listed under the NBS classification as “fuel woods in logs (e.g., hardwood), charcoal, and coniferous wood in chips or particles,” have become highly sought-after commodities, especially in Nigeria’s neighbouring countries where conventional energy alternatives are either too costly or limited in supply.
However, the boom in biomass exports has raised environmental concerns. The NBS report flags a worrisome increase in deforestation, as Nigeria continues to export significant volumes of firewood and charcoal — a trend many fear is accelerating environmental degradation.
Benin Republic emerged as the largest importer, receiving products worth N29.83 billion, followed by Togo, which accounted for N19.32 billion in imports during the same period.
Outside Africa, Nigeria exported biomass products worth N94.80 million to Asia and N102.21 million to Europe, signaling a rising global appetite for wood-based energy alternatives. In all, Nigerian energy wood exports reached buyers across four continents.
Conversely, Nigeria’s imports of biomass energy were relatively minor — totaling N45.77 million — with N1.03 million coming from African countries, N930,000 from the Americas, and N43.81 million from Asia.
The export surge comes at a time of rising domestic consumption of firewood and charcoal, fueled by high cooking gas prices and an unreliable power supply. Across markets in states such as Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, and Niger, charcoal dealers report record-breaking sales, as more Nigerians revert to traditional energy sources for cooking and heating.
While biomass plays a vital role in meeting household and small business energy needs in West Africa, its environmental impact — particularly deforestation and carbon emissions — remains a topic of growing concern.
Meanwhile, a broader analysis of Nigeria’s Q1 2025 trade data showed that petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals remained the country’s top export to African and ECOWAS markets, valued at over N1.48 trillion, accounting for 80.25% of total exports to the region.
According to Nivo News, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has declared what he described as divine judgment on bandits and their alleged sponsors responsible for insecurity across parts of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, during a sermon themed “Covenant Day of Vengeance,” Oyedepo stated that those behind killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks would face divine retribution. He further claimed that within the next seven days, consequences would begin to manifest against those he accused of fueling unrest in the country, assuring worshippers that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance.”
He was quoted as saying that judgment had been pronounced on individuals responsible for such acts and their supporters, adding that the outcome he referenced would unfold within a week.
In a related remark during a recent midweek service, Oyedepo also acknowledged the presence of fraudsters within and outside religious spaces, warning that his identity and images were being exploited for fraudulent schemes. He urged members of his congregation to remain vigilant and committed to truth to avoid falling victim to scams involving impersonation.
He recounted a case where an individual allegedly posed as him in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims, noting that such incidents highlight the growing sophistication of fraudulent activities.
A political disagreement has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reported endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the move has sparked tension between the governor and his predecessor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, who faulted the decision, describing it as premature and not properly consulted within party structures.
Al-Makura, a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, expressed displeasure that he only became aware of the endorsement through media reports. He argued that the decision should have involved wider consultation, warning that such early endorsements could undermine internal party processes.
He further noted that the APC had not begun its formal nomination process, insisting that declaring support for a candidate at this stage was inappropriate and ahead of schedule.
The controversy was further heightened by former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu, who is also aspiring for the APC governorship ticket. He rejected the endorsement, stating that no individual has the authority to impose a candidate, and reaffirmed his intention to contest in the party primaries.
In response, Governor Sule, through his media aide, defended the endorsement, stating that it was consistent with political traditions in the state. He referenced past succession arrangements, including Al-Makura’s own endorsement of him, arguing that the current process was in line with established practice but being conducted more transparently.
The governor’s camp clarified that Senator Wadada remains a preferred aspirant and not the party’s official candidate.
Senator Wadada, reacting to the development, called for calm among party members, describing the situation as part of normal political competition. He also downplayed tensions with other aspirants, noting that the contest should be seen as a democratic process.
Meanwhile, support for Adamu continues to grow in parts of Nasarawa South, where youths, women, and stakeholders have openly backed his ambition, alongside broader endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Adamu, however, maintained that he remains firmly in the race, accusing some political actors of inconsistency in the unfolding succession dynamics.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has described as unnecessary the denial issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding an invitation allegedly extended to him for the groundbreaking ceremony of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the Sultan’s media team maintained that an official invitation was duly sent to His Eminence requesting his attendance as Royal Father of the Day. The statement explained that the event also listed key dignitaries, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Mother of the Day.
The Sultan’s office emphasised that his participation in the proposed Christian event would promote interfaith harmony, noting his role as Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). It added that globally, religious leaders often engage in events outside their faith traditions as part of efforts to encourage unity and peaceful coexistence.
The response follows an earlier clarification from CAN, which denied issuing any invitation to the Sultan and stated that the document circulating in public was not from the association. CAN further explained that the communication in question originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and insisted that it had no involvement in inviting the Sultan to the event.
While acknowledging that the SGF’s office was linked to the invitation process, the Sultan’s media team expressed concern over CAN’s denial, describing it as unnecessary and capable of creating misunderstanding, especially since the Sultan did not request to attend the ceremony.
The statement also urged religious bodies to focus on messages that strengthen unity and promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
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