Northeast Governors Decry Deforestation, Flooding

Northeastern Governors of Nigeria have raised concern over the activities of illegal miners and the devastation caused by flooding in their states while calling on the federal government for urgent intervention.

The governors disclosed this in a communiqué at the end of their eighth regular meeting attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the weekend in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

According to them, illegal mining had led to the destruction of properties and loss of livelihoods in the sub-region.

The governors said they sought the intervention of the federal government to resolve the issues.

Others at the meeting included Governors Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Bala Muhammed (Bauchi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Mai Mala Buni (Yobe).

The governors lamented that the proliferation of legal and illegal mining in the region was becoming a problem.

They linked mining activities with insecurity in the region, especially the abuse of mining leases.

The communiqué, which was signed and read by the forum’s chairman, Governor Zulum, explained that climate change and environmental degradation, which are major issues affecting the sub-region, were a source of great concern.

“The forum, therefore, calls on the respective Governments to enforce compliance with the provisions of local consent, as contained in Nigeria’s Mining Policy, and reiterates its call for strict compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

“The issue of flooding, that has affected the states leading to destruction of properties and loss of livelihoods, is increasing the sufferings of the people. This has been compounded by the silting of our rivers as well as deforestation brought about by the massive charcoal business. There is a need for the Federal Government’s intervention in the area of desilting the rivers.

“Furthermore, there is the need for effective control on deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against compromise to granting approvals for such business. The forum has resolved to key into the Global Initiative of Carbon Credit, the Great Green Wall, and other initiatives that will mitigate the devastating impact of climate change in the sub-region,” the communiqué added.

Agronigeria/Shakirat Sadiq