By George George Idowu
The Commissioner for Environment, in Kwara State, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman, has issued a stern warning to charcoal dealers engaging in illegal tree felling for charcoal production.
He gave the warning during the ongoing enforcement exercise on deforestation in the state.
According to him: “The major cause of deforestation is logging which is second to shifting cultivation. This imposes a great number of negative impacts on species or products produced from forest. It also has general effects on the environment and the inhabitants ranging from socioeconomic impact to health hazards.”
Mallam Usman underscored the detrimental effects of deforestation on the environment, citing its impact on biodiversity, climate change, and public health.
He emphasizes the importance of collective action in halting deforestation and preserving a clean and sustainable environment for the people of Kwara.
He however said domestic transportation of charcoal by cars remains permissible, but Lorries transporting charcoal out of state face confiscation under Kwara State’s environmental laws.
He also disclosed that during recent enforcement operations, authorities apprehended over 10 heavy-duty Lorries involved in illegal deforestation activities.