In a decisive move to combat environmental degradation and improve public health, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has signed two executive orders banning the felling of trees and mandating a monthly statewide sanitation day.
The executive orders, signed on Saturday at the Government House in Maiduguri, aim to address the growing environmental challenges facing the state, particularly deforestation and poor hygiene.
“Unchecked tree cutting has become a serious threat to our environment and the well-being of future generations,” Zulum said. “We can no longer fold our arms and watch our ecosystem destroyed.”
Invoking the Felling of Tree Law, Cap 53, Laws of Borno 1994, the governor announced that individuals caught violating the ban on tree felling would face stiff penalties. “First-time offenders will pay a fine of N250,000 or face up to three years in prison,” he said. “Repeat offenders will risk N500,000 fines or up to five years’ imprisonment.”
The second executive order, according to Zulum, designates the first Saturday of every month as Environmental Sanitation Day, a move he said would help prevent disease and promote hygiene across Borno communities. “Those who violate this sanitation directive may be fined N100,000 or imprisoned for up to two years,” the governor warned. “Repeat violations could attract up to five years behind bars.”
To ensure enforcement, Zulum directed the Sanitation Court to uphold the orders and tasked the Police Command and other security agencies with monitoring compliance.
He also hinted at a third forthcoming executive order targeting the illegal trade and scavenging of scrap metals, which he said has led to vandalism and security concerns.
“The health of our people and the future of our environment must be protected,” Zulum stated. “These executive orders are not just laws; they are our commitment to a cleaner, safer Borno.”