Borno govt imposes N250,000 fine, jail term on illegal tree felling

The Borno government has announced new penalties for illegal tree felling, warning that offenders will face fines of up to N250,000 or up to two years in prison.

Commissioner for Environment, Emat Kois, made this known during a press briefing at NUJ Press Centre in Maiduguri.

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He noted that the sanctions for illegal tree felling are part of two Executive Orders signed by Governor Babagana Zulum to curb environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.

According to Kois, the regulations also mandate monthly environmental sanitation across the state, adding that violators would be prosecuted with fines ranging from N100,000 to N250,000, depending on the severity of the offence.

“Tree cutting, whether at construction sites or within communities, must now be approved by the Ministries of Environment and Justice. Every tree felled must be replaced with two seedlings, which must be nurtured for at least two years,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government had mobilised security agencies, including the police, Civil Defence Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force, to enforce compliance.

He condemned the widespread felling of trees for firewood and charcoal as a major contributor to environmental decline and urged communities to support government efforts.

“Without community participation, these initiatives may not achieve their desired impact,” he cautioned.

Also speaking, Director General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Usman Aliyu, said over one million tree seedlings had already been planted in the state, with plans underway to raise an additional five million for distribution across northern Borno.

Though state government highlighted the Executive Orders as essential for environmental sustainability, concerns have been raised over the absence of readily available clean energy alternatives.

Many residents still rely on firewood and charcoal — the very resources the policy seeks to protect — for daily energy needs.

While the government insists on the urgency of environmental protection, some citizens argue that such policies should not cause undue hardship.

They stress that Borno is under a democratic government, and any environmental reform must take into account the economic realities and livelihoods of the people.

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