Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has signed two new executive orders to stop the unlawful cutting of trees and to make sanitation activities compulsory across the state.
The orders, signed on Friday, May 16, at the Government House, are meant to protect the environment, improve hygiene, and reduce public nuisance.
Governor Zulum said the decision came after observing serious damage to the environment caused by illegal tree felling.
“I do hereby declare the felling of trees as prohibited forthwith,” he announced.
“Anyone caught cutting down trees illegally will face a fine of N250,000 or go to jail for up to three years for a first offence. If the person repeats the offence, the punishment could be up to five years in prison or a fine of N500,000, or both,” he warned.
The governor made it clear that this move is to protect the state’s ecosystem and ensure that future generations live in a safe and green environment.
In a second order, Zulum declared that the first Saturday of every month will now be observed as “Sanitation Day” throughout Borno.
“This is to improve the health of our people and reduce the spread of diseases,” he said.
“Anyone who refuses to take part in the sanitation exercise will be fined N100,000 or face up to two years in prison for the first offence. For repeat offences, the punishment could be up to five years in jail.”
The Sanitation Court has also been given more powers to handle such offences quickly and fairly.
Zulum added that he would soon sign another order to punish people who break laws about scrap metal scavenging and illegal trading in the state.
He told the Borno State Police Command and other security agencies to make sure the new orders are fully enforced.
“This is about the safety, health, and future of our people. We must all take responsibility,” the governor said.
