Environment
Deforestation: Stakeholders Urge Strict Enforcement Of Forestry Laws
Stakeholders in forestry have advocated the strict enforcement of forestry laws, to check increasing rate of deforestation in the country.
They stakeholders made the call in a communiqué signed by the Oyo State Chairman, Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Mr Kayode Ariori, after a one-day symposium organised by the association.
The title of the symposium held in Ibadan was: ‘State of Forest, Forest Industry in Oyo State: Matters Arising and Way Forward.”
The symposium was attended by the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan’s Director-General, Prof. Adeshola Adepoju and the Provost, Federal College of Forestry (FCF), Ibadan, Dr Funmilayo Aderounmu.
Others were FAN’s National Secretary, Prof. Olukayode Ogunsowo, Chairman, Charcoal Association of Nigeria, Oyo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Ayeriyina; Chairman, Saw Millers Association, Alhaji Kabiru Olajide, Oyo State; a forester, Dr David Ladipo and others.
The stakeholders emphasised that forest industry should be resuscitated and overhauled with modern equipment procured.
They equally suggested serious staff training in improved technology of wood utilization, saying this would contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as reduce unemployment.
They stated that government should release fund as and when due to sponsor planting programmes.
“There should be an enabling act to make forest policy work; private forestry should be encouraged.
“The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) should resuscitate extension services available for private sectors interested in forestry and create awareness on forestry sustainable management.
“All stakeholders should work together for sustainability of forestry; land use act should be reviewed to accommodate the interest of forestry and its industry.
“FAN should have sub-technical committee on different forest issues. There should be specialised training courses for stakeholders and all stakeholders should work together for sustainability of forestry,” they stated.
According to the stakeholders, the Federal Government should allow professionals to formulate and execute policies in accordance with the extant rules and regulations.
They added that proper monitoring, evaluation of funds released and project report should be submitted and appraised regularly.
“Comprehensive modern database should also be kept in a systematic way that will be accessible,” they stated.
The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.
NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.
He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.
He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.
Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.
NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.
The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.
Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.
He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations
He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.
“The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.
He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterway.
The impressive turnout has renewed hope that Abia’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment is steadily becoming a culture rather than a routine exercise.
The July monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Umuahia recorded about 80% compliance.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment described the turnout as a strong indication that residents are embracing Governor Alex Otti’s vision for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment, while calling for the establishment of Neighbourhood Environmental Watch groups to sustain the momentum.
The Abia State Government has commended residents of Umuahia for their impressive participation in the July monthly environmental sanitation exercise, describing the turnout as a strong indication that citizens are embracing the state’s campaign for a cleaner and healthier environment.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise across major parts of the Umuahia metropolis, the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ikechukwu Oriuwa, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance and urged residents to sustain the momentum.
According to him, the success recorded during the exercise reflects growing public support for the environmental agenda of the Labour Party-led administration.
“I think, so far, so good. At this point, what we need to do is sustain the momentum. We should move forward with establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch so that residents can monitor compliance and ensure the initiative is sustained,” he said.
Mr. Oriuwa further applauded both residents and the organisers for the success of the exercise.
“Well, I must say I am very impressed. I appreciate the organisers for putting this programme together. It has been highly impressive, and I believe participants have learnt a great deal. From what I have observed so far, everything has been well organised, and I think they are doing an excellent job. I encourage them to keep up the good work because programmes like this are beneficial to everyone,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that environmental sanitation should become a daily culture rather than an activity observed only on designated sanitation days.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, he explained why communities must collectively protect their environment.
“An Igbo proverb says that a goat owned by the public often goes hungry. That is why establishing a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch is important. It will encourage residents to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and ensuring that sanitation efforts are sustained.”
He also urged government agencies to strengthen enforcement by deploying environmental health officers to carry out routine inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation laws.
