The Nasarawa State government has reiterated that its prohibition on tree-felling for charcoal production remains in full effect. This policy is designed to mitigate the severe environmental damage and unpredictable weather patterns caused by excessive deforestation.
Barrister Ede Yahaya Yakubu, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, confirmed the state’s stance during a press conference in Lafia. He highlighted that human activities, particularly the widespread harvesting of wood for fuel, have directly contributed to rising temperatures, flooding, and land degradation.
The ministry aims to safeguard public health and restore the landscape by strictly outlawing charcoal as a commercial enterprise. To ensure compliance, forest guards and security forces have been tasked with detaining individuals caught illegally harvesting timber. Yakubu warned that failing to curb these activities would leave the region increasingly vulnerable to ecological disasters.
In addition to enforcement, the government is collaborating with the World Bank-backed ACReSAL project to facilitate reforestation efforts. These initiatives focus on reclaiming degraded land and promoting a greener environment. Public awareness campaigns, including tree-planting exercises in schools, are also being utilized to foster a culture of conservation across the state.
