By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State — December 24, 2025(Series news online)
The Kebbi State Ministry of Environment has taken a firm stance on illegal tree cutting in government-owned forest reserves, following a committee investigation. Commissioner Hon. Muhammad Musa Tungulawa disclosed this while addressing journalists at his office in Birnin Kebbi, revealing that over 16 people were arrested and 50,000 bags of charcoal were seized in Illo and Kaoje districts, Bagudo local government area of the state.
"We've received the committee's investigation report with recommendations, and based on that, we've sat with stakeholders and market leadership to inform them of our position," Tungulawa said. "The committee recommends auctioning seized charcoal and giving interested parties an opportunity to express interest."
The auction committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Finance (including the Board of Survey), Internal Revenue Service, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Environment, chaired by the Environment Permanent Secretary. "Cutting trees without permission is an offence, and we'll enforce the law," Tungulawa warned.
The commissioner and his permanent secretary undertook a study tour to Katsina State, on the directive of Governor Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, to acquire knowledge on sustainable charcoal production using agricultural waste. "We'll allot farmlands for timber production, enabling sustainable tree planting and cutting," Tungulawa said.
The government plans to secure loans for timber producers, with beneficiaries repaying 60% and the government covering 40%. "Beneficiaries will repay 60% of the loan, while the government supports with 40%," he explained.
"This empowers them to be self-reliant," Tungulawa said, appreciating stakeholders' cooperation. The committee will auction seized charcoal and enforce regulations, promoting sustainable practices to mitigate climate change impacts like rainfall shortages.
Tungulawa highlighted alternative charcoal production methods using millet, guinea-corn, paddy rice, and maize waste, observed during the Katsina study tour. The ministry aims to curb illegal tree cutting, ensuring food security and environmental protection.
The commissioner emphasized that illegal tree cutting contributes to climate change, causing hot weather and damaging farms, impacting food production. The ministry's efforts aim to balance environmental conservation with economic empowerment for timber producers.
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Environment