In a decisive move to tackle environmental degradation and promote public health, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has signed two executive orders prohibiting the indiscriminate felling of trees and mandating a statewide sanitation exercise on the first Saturday of every month.
Governor Zulum announced the measures on Friday during a brief signing event at the Government House in Maiduguri. He explained that these actions were necessary to address the growing threats posed by environmental abuse and unsanitary conditions, which endanger both the ecosystem and public wellbeing.
Citing his constitutional authority and relevant environmental legislation, Zulum stated that the first executive order specifically outlaws the indiscriminate cutting down of trees across the state. He referenced the Felling of Trees Law, Cap 53, Laws of Borno State, 1994, as the legal foundation for the prohibition.
“Pursuant to the powers vested in me by Section 14(2) and Section 20 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Felling of Trees Law, and all other enabling laws, I hereby declare the felling of trees as prohibited forthwith,” Zulum announced.
The governor warned that offenders will face stiff penalties. First-time violators will be fined ₦250,000 or sentenced to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years. Repeat offenders may be fined up to ₦500,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Addressing the second executive order, Zulum declared the first Saturday of every month as Sanitation Day throughout Borno State. This order is intended to enforce a culture of cleanliness and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in communities. He described the initiative as essential to strengthening public hygiene and enhancing the health system.
“Going forward, those found to have violated this order shall be punished with sentences not exceeding two years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₦100,000 for first-time offenders,” Zulum said. “Subsequent offenders shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”
The order also grants additional powers to the state’s Sanitation Court to try violators and ensure strict compliance.
In addition, the governor revealed plans to sign another executive order in the coming days targeting illegal activities in the scrap metal sector. He emphasized that regulations on scavenging and metal trading will be tightened, with violators facing severe legal consequences.
To ensure the effective implementation of the new measures, Governor Zulum directed the Borno State Police Command and other relevant agencies to begin full enforcement immediately. He stressed that acts undermining environmental safety, ecological balance, and public health will no longer be tolerated under his administration.
