On the heels of the 2023 climate change summit, codenamed COP28, the Federal Government has established a Bamboo Processing Factory in Karara, Kogi State, to bolster local content development in the production of toothpicks and other products.
Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Lawal revealed this at the 2023 World Bamboo Day in Abuja.
According to him, in pursuant to this, the ministry is encouraging the establishment of improved seedling nurseries as a strategic means of sustaining this innovation.
Lawal added: “As part of the measures to achieve effective regulation in wood trade as well as reduce the pressure on forest trees, we are exploring the option of diversifying the forestry sector through bamboo development and shifting attention from the use of trees to bamboo.
“Building on the outcomes of COP28, the ministry is taking a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Nigerians, partly by promoting bamboo cultivation and utilisation. Bamboo will boost greater environmental and socio-economic potential”.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lawrence Adigwe, said they count on the support of the bamboo producing states to make land available for bamboo plantations for mutual benefits of degraded land restoration and sustaining availability of raw materials.
He, therefore, called on all stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmers, marketers, communities, and entrepreneurs, to join forces and explore innovative ways to fully harness the potential of bamboo, considering its effectiveness in climate amelioration.
