Jigawa Prohibits Tree Felling To Protect Forest Resources, Environment

The Jigawa State Government has prohibited tree felling for firewood and charcoal to preserve the environment and safeguard forest resources across the state.

The Managing Director of the Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA), Lawan Ahmed, stated this in a statement on Monday. 

He said that the ban was necessary to curb the rampant and uncontrolled felling of trees by loggers for firewood and charcoal.

He noted that the ban applies to all 27 local government areas of the state, adding that it was illegal to cut down trees without the approval of the Agency. 

Ahmed stated that the agency is empowered by law to discourage, prevent and halt the uncontrolled felling of trees across the state.

He added that trees play an essential role in economic and social lives, carbon sequestration, global climate regulation, and air quality and rainfall patterns. 

“JISEPA is mandated by law to discourage, prevent and stop indiscriminate/illegal felling of trees across the state with a view to safeguarding the environment.

“The Agency observed and received reports of incessant and indiscriminate feeling of trees for unauthorised and illegal logging, uprooting of trees for fuel and charcoal.

“The menace ravages the state’s existing and fragile trees with potential deforestation on farm yields, livelihood and public health.

“Trees provide life support system, play 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 the biodiversity, now many trees, shrubs, herbs and habitats for some animals species have been depleted, while some are endangered,” he said.

He further urged residents of the state to report to the agency or law enforcement agents, any illegal cutting of trees in the state.