By Dare Akogun
The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on the state government to direct the Ministry of Environment to enforce strict compliance with the ‘Five to One’ tree planting policy as a necessary measure to combat global warming.
The Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Danlad-Salihu, announced the resolution following the adoption of a motion on notice titled “Global Warming: Need to Halt Indiscriminate Felling of Trees and Ensure Strict Adherence to the Five for Each One Tree Policy in Kwara State.”
The motion was sponsored by the House Leader and representative of Ilorin Central Constituency, Barrister Abdulkadir Magaji.
The assembly said this is part of its efforts in addressing environmental degradation in the state and promoting sustainable development practices.
In addition to ensuring compliance with the tree planting policy, the House urged the state government to direct the Ministry of Environment to apprehend and fine unlicensed chainsaw operators who are indiscriminately cutting down trees in the forest reserves.
The Assembly also called on the State Ministry of Communications to intensify media awareness campaigns on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling.
Barrister Magaji highlighted the reckless actions of some individuals who continue to cut down trees for charcoal production, with unlicensed chainsaw operators roaming the forests unchecked.
He emphasized the urgent need to address these activities to protect the environment.
Contributing to the discussion, co-sponsor Hon. Saba Gideon, representing Edu Constituency, noted that while charcoal production might not pose significant environmental threats in other parts of the world, the situation is different in Nigeria due to the lack of adherence to regulations governing tree felling.
He stressed that planting trees, including flowers, would mitigate the effects of global warming.
Other lawmakers echoed these concerns, describing deforestation as a severe threat to the environment and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on climate action.
Reports indicate that Kwara State has forest reserves covering over five thousand square meters, but more than fifty percent of these reserves have been encroached upon by chainsaw operators and charcoal producers.
