The Federal Government blamed powerful interests for the massive deforestation occurring in states where lumberjacks fell trees for commercial charcoal production. This activity runs counter to the government’s target of planting 25 million trees by 2030 under the afforestation policy of the Buhari regime.
Minister of Environment Mohammed Abdullahi disclosed this to State House correspondents during the 69th Session of the Ministerial Media Briefing, organized by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. He explained that efforts to contain the menace and protect the environment have faced resistance from states that claim the trees are not under federal jurisdiction. “The activities of people in the charcoal business, with all due respect, are being supported by a number of powerful people at the sub‑national level,” he said. “If we try to enforce regulations, they will tell you, ‘we own this territory; you are the federal government and you cannot enforce your rule and policy on us.’”
The minister noted that the challenge of deforestation and charcoal production involves engaging the Nigerian Governors Forum because of the Land Use Act. Although the federal government cannot control state government lands, it is discussing with states how to “work out a modality,” citing Kaduna State as an example. “Kaduna has invested some hectares of land to plant, and we are working with the local governments. We are projecting that other states will follow suit,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the federal government has deployed a regulatory instrument to track forest areas under the greatest pressure. “After tracking, we raise red flags and then engage those communities and the state governments so that a solution can be found to arrest the continuous challenge to our forest,” he explained. “The task force is still active, going after offenders on an ad‑hoc basis, identifying who is involved and who licensed whom. We are doing our best to curb the situation.”
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