An undergraduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Joshua Christopher, has said that economic hardship pushed him into charcoal production, which has now become his main source of livelihood while pursuing his degree.
Christopher, a Chemistry student, disclosed this during a field visit to Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State on Thursday. He explained that he ventured into the business to sustain himself both in school and at home, despite being aware of its environmental consequences.
“I am currently running my degree programme in Chemistry at ABU Zaria, and this is what I do to sustain myself both at home and in school,” he said.
Christopher explained that charcoal production involves cutting down trees, dividing them into logs, arranging them neatly, covering them with soil, and burning them under controlled heat.
According to him, the process takes between one and four days depending on the moisture level of the wood, and a single round of production can yield up to six bags of charcoal.
He acknowledged that deforestation is harmful to the environment but said economic hardship has forced many young people into the trade.
“If you must deforest, then you must afforest — meaning if you cut one tree, you should plant two or three to replace it,” he added.
Similarly, Frank Bala, a 25-year-old charcoal dealer in Idon community, Kajuru LGA, said he has been in the business for three years and described it as moderately profitable.
Bala explained that producers transport charcoal from the forest to dealers, who then sell to retailers.
“On good days, we sell up to 50 bags, though the number varies depending on the season. Charcoal is cheaper during the dry season and more expensive during the rainy season because it becomes scarce,” he said.
He added that more than 50 charcoal dealers operate in the area, though the number fluctuates with market demand.
Bala, a graduate of Agriculture, admitted awareness of the negative impact of deforestation but said the business provides an alternative source of income for many unemployed youths.
“I know the effects of tree cutting and deforestation, but sometimes you have to work with what is available. This is better than venturing into crime,” he said.
Bala also noted that Idon’s security situation is relatively calm, making it easier for them to operate, although forest guards occasionally visit.
“Sometimes they come around, but we always cooperate with them and settle issues peacefully whenever necessary,” he added.
He appealed to the government and development partners to create alternative livelihood opportunities for young people engaged in the charcoal trade, saying such initiatives would reduce deforestation while sustaining their income.
Government Steps Up Fight Against Illegal Logging
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has intensified efforts to protect forest reserves across the state. The ministry has deployed forest guards and is collaborating with security agencies to tackle illegal logging and charcoal production.
The Assistant Director of Forest Resources, Mr. Godwin Michael, said during a spot check in Kajuru that the government remained committed to enforcing the ban on forest exploitation and promoting sustainable forest management.
Michael recalled that in 2015, the then governor declared a state of emergency on forestry after discovering that Kaduna’s forest cover had fallen below 15 per cent — far below the internationally recommended minimum of 25 per cent.
He said the Keep Kaduna Green (KKG) Tree Planting Project, launched in 2016, led to the planting of over four million trees across the state between 2016 and 2019. However, insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress.
“Our forest guards are handicapped because they are not armed, and most of these illegal operators come at night to cut down trees,” Michael said.
He added that the ministry has established checkpoints in collaboration with the police to ensure compliance.
“Anyone caught with forest produce without proper documentation is arrested. The goods are confiscated and auctioned, and the proceeds are paid directly into the state government coffers,” he stated.
Michael further disclosed that most charcoal and timber entering Kaduna originate from neighbouring states such as Nasarawa, Niger, and Kogi.
“About 90 per cent of the charcoal coming into Kaduna is not from within the state,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Zakariya Naye, Divisional Forestry Officer for Kajuru LGA, identified lack of logistics and equipment as major challenges facing forest guards.
“Our major problems are lack of mobility and lack of arms. Without vehicles or protection, it is difficult to enter the forests and stop illegal activities,” he said, urging the government to provide adequate support.
Journalists, Experts Advocate Climate Reporting
The field visit was organised by Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG) under the Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative (WECRI).
The initiative is part of the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) programme funded by the UK International Development office. The programme focuses on building sustainable communities and strengthening climate resilience among vulnerable populations in Kaduna State.
The field visit and spot check marked the end of a three-day workshop on “Strengthening Journalism and Reporting on Climate-related Issues.”
During the workshop, environmental experts, including Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), warned that deforestation contributes about 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. He urged journalists to intensify climate reporting.
Similarly, Jonah Birga, an Environmental Data Analyst, presented local case studies and deforestation data for Kaduna, revealing that Nigeria loses approximately 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest annually, largely due to high demand for charcoal in urban areas.
Mr. Michael Simire, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of EnviroNews Nigeria, emphasised that ethical journalism recognises no “two sides” to the proven science of human-caused climate change.
He urged journalists to prioritise scientific consensus, expose misinformation and greenwashing, and employ Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, secure tools, and inclusive storytelling in climate reporting.
The Executive Director of BTG, Ms. Gloria Bulus, said the organisation focuses on governance, climate change, and livelihood interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Bulus explained that BTG prioritises SDG 13 (Climate Action) by training journalists, conducting community engagements, and empowering rural women through livelihood support, pre-planting awareness campaigns, and school programmes.
She stressed that these initiatives aim to reduce poverty and strengthen sustainable governance and climate resilience.
