Bornlo State Commissioner of Environment, Engr. Mohammed Kois, addressing a joint press conference on Thursday at the NUJ Press Center in Maiduguri.
Borno State Government has taken a significant step towards protecting the environment by announcing an executive order banning the felling of trees for charcoal, firewood, and other purposes.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner of Environment, Engr. Mohammed Kois, during a joint press conference held at the NUJ Press Center in Maiduguri.
According to the Commissioner, the state has been exposed to the harsh effects of climate change, including desert encroachment, environmental degradation, and pollution.
He lamented that the indiscriminate felling of trees has led to windstorm destruction, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
To mitigate these effects, the government has established policies and laws to prosecute and punish offenders.
The Commissioner assured that the Ministry of Environment will engage in extensive advocacy to sensitize the public on the importance of environmental conservation.
He also pledged to improve on the monthly sanitation exercises, which aim to promote a clean and healthy environment. The government has also announced plans to establish orchards, plantations, and gardens of trees, plants, fruits, and seeds for public distribution.
This initiative aims to control the menace of tree felling and desert encroachment, as well as promote environmental sustainability. The government is also embarking on large-scale agricultural activities in all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to boost farming for food security.
The Commissioner warned that defaulters will be arrested, arraigned, and charged to court accordingly.
He urged the public to be mindful of the environmental policies and laws, noting that over one million trees have been planted so far, and over five million seedlings are being nurtured for distribution to the people.
The Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman A. Tar, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aminu Chamalwa, further highlighted the government’s efforts to address environmental challenges. He explained that some measures are being introduced across the state to promote the use of improved stoves that minimize tree felling, as well as reduce air pollution from smoke and fumes.
He noted that these initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability and mitigate the effects of climate change.
