Jigawa State Government Bans Tree Felling for Firewood, Charcoal
The Jigawa State Government has taken action to stop loggers from indiscriminately chopping trees for fuel wood and charcoal in the state.
This was disclosed by Mr. Lawan Ahmed, the Managing Director, Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) in Dutse, Jigawa state.
Stating that the state has banned tree felling for firewood and charcoal to protect forest resources and the environment.
Ahmed said that, according to the law, tree felling was not permitted without approval in all 27 local government areas of the state.
“JISEPA is legally obligated to discourage, prevent, and stop the unauthorized cutting down of trees in the state in order to protect the environment.
“The Agency witnessed and received reports of persistent and uncontrolled tree felling for illegal and unauthorised logging, as well as cutting down trees for fuel and charcoal. This has had devastating impacts on the existing and fragile trees, leading to potential deforestation, loss of farm yields, livelihoods, and public health.
“Trees provide a life support system, play a vital role in economic and social lives, carbon sequestration, and global climate regulation, as well as regulating local air quality and rainfall patterns.
“Deforestation, fragmentation, and degradation destroy biodiversity; how many trees, shrubs, herbs, and habitats for some animal species have been depleted, while some are endangered,” he said.
He stated that cutting down trees can result in numerous consequences, including reduced biodiversity, habitat destruction, climate change, desertification, water and soil resource depletion, and psychological and social impacts.
He implored the residents to report the loggers activities to the agency, forestry offices, and law enforcement agents.
Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi
