The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for the strict enforcement of environmental laws across Nigeria to curb the growing menace of deforestation. Governor Zulum also announced automatic scholarships for 540 local government workers to study forestry-related courses at the Federal College of Forestry, Maiduguri, as part of efforts to strengthen environmental management and build professional capacity in the sector.
He announced the 2026 Annual Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Tree Planting Campaign held in Maiduguri. Expressing concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees, Zulum noted that although Borno State has enacted laws prescribing stiff penalties for deforestation, enforcement remains a major challenge.
“Borno State Government has recently passed a law that provides stringent punishment for those who fell trees anyhow, but unfortunately, the provisions of these laws were not enforced” “When we decided to enforce penalties, we received comments from the public that government is trying to stop people from going about their legitimate duties of getting firewood to cook their food,” Zulum stated.
READ ALSO: Radda Approves ₦500 Million Compensation For Federal Housing Project Victims The Governor observed that despite the establishment of the Federal College of Forestry, there is widespread apathy towards forestry education and directed the Secretary to the State Government to coordinate with all the 27 local government councils to nominate at least 20 workers for specialised forestry training.
“On this note, I want to use this platform to direct the Secretary of the State Government to direct local government councils to identify 20 workers from agriculture and natural resources to be admitted into the College of Forestry” “Borno State Government will sponsor them and will also streamline their services from local government to state government at the completion of their studies,” the Governor directed.
Governor Zulum further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, saying coordinated action is critical to tackling desertification and promoting afforestation nationwide. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawan, commended Governor Zulum for his unwavering commitment to rebuilding communities and restoring the environment across Borno State.