From Uthman Abubakar, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised the alarm over the massive exportation of firewood from Northern Nigeria to neighboring countries, identifying it as a primary driver of the rapid depletion of the nation’s remaining forest cover.
The Governor made the disclosure on Wednesday, while declaring open the 3-day Annual Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment and National Tree Planting Campaign in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum drew a stark contrast between Nigeria and its neighbors regarding the enforcement of anti-deforestation laws, expressing deep concern over the visual reality at the borders.
“Driving towards the border, you see trucks heavily loaded with firewood, exporting it to neighboring countries.
“Just across the border in any of these countries, everywhere is green forest. But as you come into Nigeria, everywhere is open desert because those countries strictly enforce their laws,” Zulum stated.
To address this crisis, Governor Zulum urged the federal and state governments to urgently collaborate and craft far stricter penalties to deter indiscriminate tree felling.
While Borno State has enacted legislation prescribing stiff penalties for deforestation, Zulum admitted that enforcement remains a major obstacle due to public resistance.
He noted that attempts to enforce penalties are often met with public criticism that the government is preventing citizens from securing firewood for basic cooking.
The Governor noted that balancing law enforcement with the energy needs of rural and low-income households continues to be a delicate challenge.
To combat the widespread apathy toward forestry management, Governor Zulum announced a direct state intervention using the Federal College of Forestry in Borno State.
He emphasized that tackling desertification requires vertical and horizontal coordination.
“What I mean is effective enforcement implemented in lockstep by both the federal and state governments,” he explained.
He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Environment for its interventions in Borno, particularly during the devastating 2024 flood disaster.
In his remarks, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, warned that climate change and human activities continue to threaten Nigeria’s remaining 20% forest cover.
Under the theme “Strengthening Enforcement, Innovation and Institutional Performance for Sustainable Environmental Governance,” the Minister stated that the 3-day retreat aims to bridge the gap between federal policies and sub-national implementation.
