NACPDEAN: Akarah appointed head of national strategy

BTCBARS Group Chairman, Ebenezer Ulochukwu Akarah, popularly known as Alex, has been appointed as the National Strategic Director of the National Association of Coal Producers, Traders, Exporters and Afforesters of Nigeria (NACPDEAN).

The appointment took effect on 16 October 2026, with a mandate focused on strategic engagement, institutional partnerships, international cooperation and investment facilitation.

Akarah’s appointment is expected to contribute to efforts to strengthen the coal sector through responsible production, reforestation, improved market access and greater collaboration between industry stakeholders.

Speaking on his appointment, Akarah expressed his willingness to collaborate with the association’s leadership and stakeholders to promote the development of the sector.

“I look forward to working closely with the association’s leadership and stakeholders across the industry to advance our shared goals,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of strategic engagement and institutional partnerships in creating investment opportunities and expanding the reach of the sector.

“Strategic engagement and international cooperation will be key to strengthening partnerships, facilitating investment and improving market access for Nigerian coal producers and exporters,” Akarah said.

On the sector’s contribution to the national economy, he underlined the need to balance the growth of the sector with environmental responsibility.

“We must promote responsible production and afforestation, while exploring opportunities to strengthen the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil economy,” he added.

Akarah’s appointment represents an opportunity to leverage strategic partnerships and stakeholder collaboration to support the association’s objectives and promote sustainable growth in Nigeria’s coal industry.