Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called for stricter enforcement of environmental protection laws across Nigeria to tackle the growing challenge of deforestation.
The governor also announced automatic scholarships for 540 local government workers to study forestry-related programmes at the Federal College of Forestry in Maiduguri as part of efforts to strengthen environmental management and develop skilled professionals in the sector.
Zulum made the announcement during the 2026 Annual Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Tree Planting Campaign held in Maiduguri.
Expressing concern over the widespread destruction of forests, the governor said although Borno State has enacted laws imposing stiff penalties for illegal tree felling, enforcement has remained inadequate.
He explained that previous attempts to strictly enforce the law attracted criticism from some residents who argued that the measures would affect people who depend on firewood for cooking.
To address the shortage of trained forestry personnel, Zulum directed the Secretary to the State Government to collaborate with the 27 local government councils in selecting 20 workers each from the agriculture and natural resources departments for specialized forestry training.
According to the governor, the state government will fully sponsor the beneficiaries and integrate them into the state civil service upon completion of their studies.
He also stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to combat desertification, promote afforestation and improve environmental sustainability across the country.
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawan, commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to environmental restoration and community rebuilding efforts in Borno State.
The minister noted that the retreat would enhance environmental regulation, strengthen institutional performance, encourage greater collaboration between federal and state authorities, and improve accountability in environmental governance.
The event was held under the theme, “Strengthening Enforcement, Innovation and Institutional Performance for Sustainable Environmental Governance.”
