Zulum Bans Illegal Tree Felling in Borno, Offenders Face N250k Fine
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday signed two executive orders banning indiscriminate tree felling and instituting a monthly statewide sanitation exercise.
The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Maiduguri. The governor described the situation as an “alarming level of environmental abuse” across the state.
“Today, we are taking firm steps to secure the environment and safeguard the lives of our people,” Governor Zulum said. “We cannot fold our arms and watch our ecosystem destroyed by reckless deforestation. This is about our future and the future of our children.”
Citing Section 14 (2) and Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution and the Felling of Tree Law of Borno State, Cap 53, 1994, Zulum announced a total ban on illegal tree cutting.
“Any individual caught unlawfully cutting down trees shall, for a first offence, face a fine of N250,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years,” he said. “For subsequent offences, the penalty shall be imprisonment not exceeding five years, or a fine of N500,000, or both.”
He also declared the first Saturday of every month as Sanitation Day.
“This is not just about cleanliness,” Zulum said. “It is about the health of our families and neighbours. I, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, do hereby declare the first Saturday of every month as Sanitation Day, forthwith.”
He stated that first-time offenders would be fined N100,000 or face up to two years in prison. Repeat offenders could face up to five years in prison.
Zulum also said another executive order targeting illegal scrap metal scavenging and trading would be signed soon. He directed the Borno State Police Command and other agencies to begin enforcement of the new orders.
“These are not mere pronouncements,” he said. “We mean business, and enforcement will be strict. Our laws must have meaning, and they must be respected.”
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