The Niger State government has taken a significant step to combat climate change by banning tree felling across the state. This move aims to protect the environment from the harmful effects of deforestation.
Yakubu Kolo, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, explained the challenges posed by tree cutting, particularly for charcoal production, which has led to extensive deforestation. “We have laws that require residents to plant at least two to four trees around their homes,” he noted. This initiative is crucial not only for environmental sustainability but also for preserving economic trees, like the shea butter tree.
In a recent development, the state governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, inaugurated one of the largest shea butter processing plants in Niger. This effort complements their measures to regulate illegal tree cutting, particularly for charcoal.
To enhance environmental efforts, the Niger State government has launched the Niger State Agency for Green Initiative. This agency focuses on coordinating various sectors to address climate-related issues, including flooding. Kolo highlighted that Governor Bago has shown a strong commitment to climate change since taking office, leading to the organization of the first-ever Niger State Green Economy Summit, which set a blueprint for climate action in the region.
Recently, statistics from a climate study revealed that deforestation contributes significantly to increased flooding in southern Nigeria. As part of their strategy, Niger State is also developing Special Agro-industrial Processing Zones to boost local agriculture and economic growth, including partnerships with Chinese investors for funding.
This comprehensive approach indicates a proactive stance towards environmental conservation. By banning illegal tree cutting and promoting reforestation, Niger State aims to reverse the alarming trend of deforestation and its consequences on the local ecosystem.
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