Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as the Minister of Environment hosted the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mignot Gautier, and his delegation for a high-level discussion on the subject.
During the meeting, Nigeria emphasized its efforts to align agricultural and forestry practices with global standards, particularly through initiatives such as the National Forest Policy and agroforestry programs aimed at reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use.
To ensure seamless compliance with the EUDR, Nigeria has established a National Task Force (NTF), which includes EU representation, to coordinate stakeholders and mitigate risks associated with key agricultural commodities, particularly cocoa. In addition, the Technical Working Group (TWG), chaired by the Minister, has been developing a comprehensive compliance framework, incorporating:
✅ Polygon Mapping Traceability
✅ National Cocoa Database
✅ Capacity Building for Farmers
✅ Deforestation Analytics Using GIS
✅ Legal and Land Use Reviews
✅ Logistics Structuring for Sustainable Supply Chains
The Nigerian government has taken proactive steps by engaging relevant ministries, state governments, and multinational corporations to ensure smooth alignment with the EUDR requirements. However, the country has urged the EU to provide clearer compliance guidelines and financial support to facilitate a smooth transition for agricultural exports.
Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria remains committed to sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental protection as key pillars of national development. The country believes that continued collaboration with the EU will not only strengthen environmental sustainability but also enhance economic growth and global trade opportunities for Nigerian agricultural products.
