Kwara moves to ban charcoal production, tree felling

A bill seeking to prohibit the production, transportation and sale of charcoal in Kwara State has passed through second reading at the Kwara State House of Assembly. Also, another one seeking chain saw mills to plant a tree in place of felled ones passed the second reading.  To this end, a public hearing to ensure […]

A bill seeking to prohibit the production, transportation and sale of charcoal in Kwara State has passed through second reading at the Kwara State House of Assembly.

Also, another one seeking chain saw mills to plant a tree in place of felled ones passed the second reading. 

To this end, a public hearing to ensure all stakeholders’ inputs to strengthen the proposed amendment has been slated for today (Thursday).

Leading in the debate on the general principles of the two bills, the leader of the House, Hassan Oyeleke, explained that the bills, aimed at protecting the state’s eco system, save the state from prevailing desertification occasioned by indiscriminate felling of trees in the state became expedient. 

Members, who spoke on the general principles of the bills, observed with displeasure that the state had become notorious for production of charcoal and expressed confidence that the passage of the bills would curb the ugly trend in the state. 

Responding, the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, assured that the amended laws would address most of the identified inhibiting factors.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Katsina Mohammed, to invite all forestry officers in the state Ministry of Environment and Forestry to a meeting with the legislature to answer pertinent questions on measures that will strengthen the proposed amendment.