Made-in-China Traders Urge FG to Harness Bamboo Resources for Cleaner Environment

…Seeks Support, Partnership for National Stakeholders’ Conference

The Made in China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria (MICGTAN) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s vast bamboo resources as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon pollution and unlock new economic opportunities.

The National President of the association, Oluwole Adigun Samuel, made the appeal in Abuja while outlining the association’s plans to convene a national stakeholders’ conference on bamboo development and its role in climate change mitigation.

Adigun said bamboo has enormous environmental and economic potential that remains largely untapped in Nigeria despite growing global recognition of the plant as a renewable resource capable of absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and supporting green industrial development.

According to him, deliberate government policies aimed at promoting bamboo cultivation, processing and value-chain development would not only contribute to cleaner air but also create employment opportunities, stimulate local industries and support the country’s climate commitments.

He stressed that countries across Asia have successfully leveraged bamboo as a sustainable raw material for furniture production, construction, paper manufacturing, textiles and renewable energy, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit from similar investments.

“We believe bamboo is one of Nigeria’s most underutilised natural resources. Beyond its environmental benefits, it can drive industrial growth, generate jobs and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s transition to a green economy,” Adigun said.

The MICGTAN president appealed to relevant ministries, agencies, development partners, research institutions and private sector organisations to collaborate with the association in organising a national stakeholders’ conference that would bring together policymakers, investors, environmental experts and industry players to develop practical strategies for expanding bamboo utilisation across the country.

He noted that the proposed conference would serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, investment promotion and policy dialogue aimed at positioning bamboo as a strategic resource for sustainable national development.

Adigun also urged the Federal Ministries responsible for environment, agriculture, industry and trade to work together in developing policies that encourage commercial bamboo plantations, value addition and local manufacturing.

The association also expressed profound appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), the International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR), and China Aid for providing the opportunity to participate in the recently concluded international conference on “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic Initiative” held in Beijing, China.

The international conference brought together 45 participants from eight countries: Nigeria, Liberia, The Gambia, South Africa, the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia and Moldova, providing a platform for cross-country collaboration, knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices on bamboo development and sustainable alternatives to plastic.

The Nigerian delegation comprised Akinyemi Akanji, Olusehinde Olatunji, Olorunfemi Olusola and Sowande Olusiji, all from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), as well as Oluwole Adigun Samuel and Ayobami T. Oladahunsi of the Made in China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria (MICGTAN).

Adigun gave special recognition to Mrs. Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, for her exceptional support and kindness in facilitating the Nigerian delegation’s participation at the conference. He described the experience as invaluable, noting that it exposed participants to global best practices and innovative strategies for promoting bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Chinese Government, China Aid, INBAR and ICBR for organising and supporting this important global initiative. We are particularly indebted to Mrs. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of China in Lagos, whose goodwill and support made it possible for us to be part of this landmark conference in Beijing. The knowledge gained will greatly contribute to our efforts to promote bamboo development and environmental sustainability in Nigeria,” Adigun stated.

He maintained that with increasing global concerns over climate change and carbon emissions, Nigeria cannot afford to overlook the opportunities presented by bamboo as a renewable resource capable of improving environmental quality while supporting economic diversification.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmentally friendly initiatives and expressed its readiness to partner with government institutions, development agencies and other stakeholders to advance the sustainable development of Nigeria’s bamboo industry.