Nigeria, Jan. 12 -- The Kwara State Government banned the production and sale of charcoal in the state in July 2018, and has repeatedly issued statements and warnings to enforce the law. Officials justify the ban as part of international best practices designed to protect the environment, preserve natural resources, curb deforestation, and combat climate change.

However, an investigation by The Informant247 reveals that, despite the public ban, the charcoal trade persists, with the state government, through KWIRS and the Ministry of Environment, secretly collecting levies and taxes from producers, transporters, and traders. The investigation gathered receipts, videos, and other evidence, but both the ministry and agencies declined to com...