The Wood and Wood Products/Furniture Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended the federal government’s nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products.

In a statement on Friday, the sectoral group’s chairperson, Ngozi Oyewole, described the ban as “excellent and timely news for Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing sector,” noting that it would significantly benefit local producers.

She said the policy represented a major boost for local manufacturers and a clear signal of the federal government’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth, value addition, and environmental protection.

Ms Oyewole, who also serves as vice chair of the governing council of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), expressed pleasure at the executive order and its potential impact on the sector.

She specifically commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and hailed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for the decisive and forward-looking intervention in industrial and environmental policy.

“This policy reflects strong political will and a deep understanding of the critical link between environmental protection, industrial value addition, and national economic development,” Ms Oyewole stated.

She explained that the export ban would retain wood resources within the country, improving access to raw materials for local processors, stabilising costs, and reducing price volatility driven by export pressures.

Ms Oyewole added that the decision promoted local value addition rather than raw material exports, supported job creation, boosted SME growth, and drove industrial expansion across the wood and furniture value chain.

She further stressed that the policy would enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian-made furniture domestically and position finished products more strongly in export markets.

Beyond industrial benefits, she noted that the ban would strengthen sustainable forestry practices by curbing illegal logging and deforestation, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability objectives.

“This executive order is a strong statement that Nigeria is serious about industrialisation, environmental sustainability, and long-term economic resilience,” Ms Oyewole said.

She reaffirmed manufacturers’ readiness to partner with the federal government and relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation, full compliance, and responsible use of the nation’s forest resources.

“Indeed, this is a turning point for the wood and furniture manufacturing sector—leadership that listens, acts, and delivers,” Ms Oyewole said.

The Minister of Environment announced the ban, issued by Mr Tinubu, at the 18th Meeting of the National Council on Environment in Katsina State on December 17.

By implication, the ban also revoked all previously issued licences and permits, stressing that the move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s response to climate change and halt rapid forest depletion.

(NAN)