National News
FG Threatens to Sanction Illegal Operators in Forest
FG Threatens to Sanction Illegal Operators in Forest
By: Michael Mike
The federal government has warned against illegal activities in forests across the country, insisting anyone caught involved in any form of illegalities in forest reserves would be severe sanctioned.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris issued the warning on Friday during a workshop on the operationalisation of the Forestry Inter-Ministerial Joint Task Force (FIM-JTF), on the exploitation of Forest Resources.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Forestry Department, Mrs Hajara Sani, urged members of the JTF to work assiduously for a smooth take-off.
He tasked them on effective operations that would forestall all forms of illegalities in the country’s forests, in order to achieve Sustainable Forest Management.
Idris warned that anyone identified as a refractory logger, must be apprehended and documented, and handed over to the appropriate authority for sanctions, which include being blacklisted from export, depending on the gravity of the offence.
He said: “As you are aware, Nigeria is facing replete environmental challenges such as deforestation and land degradation, among others, due to unsustainable logging activities, especially as witnessed during the recent ban on wood and related product export from 2018 without corresponding forest replenishment.
“This, therefore, prompted the former Minister of Environment, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, to conditionally lift the ban/suspension, and put in place effective measures to regulate the sector so as to achieve Sustainable Forest Management,” he said.
Idris however noted that the JTF’s mandate was to bring sanity to the sector, by ensuring investors and other players in the sector complied with Forest Laws, Standards and Regulations, to checkmate forest/wildlife crimes, illegal logging, environmental degradation and consequently, help to reverse the deplorable state of the forest.
He said: “It is very important we manage the forests sustainably for the continuous provision of an array of products and services for both the present and future generations.
“To advance progress already made on lifting the ban effective and productive, it is expedient that members of the reconstituted Inter-Ministerial Joint Task Force, meet to deliberate on strategies for surveillance and operations.
“This leap is aimed at curbing illegal forest exploitation, which has affected and destroyed the country’s rich biodiversity, thereby denying our nation the full realisation of its potential.”
He equally said that the states had very important roles to play in the forestry sector, being custodians of the forests. He added that: “With the vast experience the states have in the wood industry, coupled with diverse efforts of the ministry and the private sector, illegal activities in the states can be tackled effectively if we are all committed to the task.”
He promised stakeholders that guidelines and standards would be put in place to regulate the sector, and ensure sustainable forest management, while they generated increased revenue for the country.
He said: “Let me intimate you here that National Forestry Trust Fund is also planning, as part of these measures, to curb deforestation by establishing whistle-blowers.
“I believe the contribution of whistle-blowing will make the work of JTF easier and more effective.
“On this note, I urge all members of the JTF to discharge their duties without fear or favour. Compromise should not be ‘heard of’ or ‘seen’ in the execution of this national duty.”
On his part, the representative of the National Park Service (NPS), Mr Danjuma Magaji,, said the service played a very important role in forests conservation.
While also speaking at the event, the representative from the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Oluwadamilola Olaofe,, said that as a revenue generating agency, the service knows the importance of forestry, and assured the ministry of its full support for the FIM/JTF.
The representative of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr Afu Peter, said that Prof. Aliyu Jauro, the agency’s Director General, had promised to assist the JTF work effectively.
FG Threatens to Sanction Illegal Operators in Forest
National News
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
** Says Nigeria, Ethiopia have the largest stake in Africa’s future by keeping continent green
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on nations of the world to be decisive about combating climate change, saying it is a danger that must be arrested with practical actions.
According to him, while the global threat is not one that can be resolved in a conference room, it requires each country to respond to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens confronting them.
The Nigerian Vice President, who stated this on Friday during the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative (GLI), in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, said he was delighted to share in the joy of Ethiopia’s resolve to confront the threat posed by climate change “with clarity, courage, and conviction.”
The Ethiopian Green Legacy Programme, which is designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.
Senator Shettima, who is in the East African country for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, implored nations to enhance their climate plans by doubling their adaptation and mitigation efforts.
He said, “We have long accepted that climate change is not a problem to be solved in a conference room; it is a danger we must arrest with practical actions, with each nation rising to the occasion by responding to the peculiarities of the ecological burdens they face.
“Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative is one such response. It is an inspiring blueprint to reimagine the future. The promise of GLI is the dream of every nation. It is a lesson in vision, in purpose, and in audacity. For those of us who have followed this programme, the numbers are staggering, but the impact is even more compelling.
“To plant 20 billion seedlings within four years, to establish over 20,000 nurseries, and to create hundreds of thousands of green jobs is to show that the future is something we must plant, nurture, and build.”
VP Shettima noted that he was not in Ethiopia to only share in the country’s joy and exchange ideas but to also convey what he described as the deep and abiding solidarity of his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the people of Nigeria.
Applauding those who made the Green Legacy Initiative a reality, he assured Ethiopia of Nigeria’s unflinching support, adding that both countries have the largest stake in Africa’s future.
“Ethiopia and Nigeria are the two most populous countries in Africa. This distinction is not just statistical; it is existential. It means we have the largest stake in Africa’s future. It means that more of our people are exposed to the peril of climate change, and it also means that we face the highest cost of inaction.
“This is why we are not mere spectators in this fight. We are partners. We are participants. And we are prepared to play our part to keep Africa green,” the Vice President pledged, just as he said it is the promise Nigeria and other nations have been making at the Conferences of the Parties (COP) every year.
“It is the pledge we renewed at the last COP in Azerbaijan. And today, we gather not only to stand by this promise but to celebrate the path Ethiopia has illuminated for the world,” he added.
Senator Shettima thanked the government and people of Ethiopia for the warmth and generosity extended to him and other members of the Nigerian delegation.
He said they felt at home, “not just because of the hospitality shown to them, but because the launch of the Green Legacy Programme resonates with the aspirations “to leave behind a planet fit for the dreams of generations to come.
In his address at the event, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called on African countries to make the Green Legacy a culture, adding that Ethiopia was proud of Nigeria and its bold move to embrace the green initiative.
The Prime Minister called for partnership across African countries, stating that it was time to place less emphasis on foreign aid and begin to focus more on indigenous and home-grown domestic ideas and visions.
“This year’s Green Legacy is to rise by planting, and it is in consonance with our plan to shock the world with our Green Legacy vision. We never received any aid when we set out to achieve our 20 billion tree planting initiative.
“We thank Nigeria for supporting and accepting this initiative. With its population and growing economy, we are sure that the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as exemplified by the esteemed presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, will go a long way in raising the awareness and collaborative effort needed amongst African countries,” the Prime Minister said.
He further expressed optimism that with Ethiopia’s hosting of the forthcoming United Nations summit on Climate Change, the stage is set for all hands to be on deck to achieve one of Ethiopia’s biggest green revolution plans.
Earlier in the day, Vice President Shettima was guided through Ethiopia’s Unity Park, Science Museum, and the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, which showcase Ethiopia’s historic and transformative trajectory.
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived at the venue for the official launch of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Programme in Addis Ababa.
The project is part of Nigeria’s commitment to regional and continental collaboration on climate action and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes environmental sustainability, food security, and green economic growth.
VP Shettima is in the company of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
The Vice President, who is on an official state visit to Ethiopia, will participate in the launch ceremony of the environmental initiative aimed at combating deforestation and mitigating climate change effects.
The Green Legacy Programme targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period to enhance biodiversity and address environmental challenges across Ethiopia.
This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s existing endeavours in afforestation and reforestation, such as the Great Green Wall project, which focuses on restoring damaged environments, combating desertification, and fostering climate resilience throughout the Sahel region.
VP Shettima Arrives For Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme Launch
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for an official State visit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali.
He was received at the airport by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Dr. Gedion Timothewos and other members of the Ethiopian and Nigerian diplomatic corps.
During the visit, Vice President Shettima will participate in the official launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, a flagship environmental initiative.
The programme designed to combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change targets the planting of 20 billion tree seedlings over a four-year period.
In line with strengthening bilateral ties in agriculture and industrial development, the Vice President will also embark on a strategic tour of key industrial zones and integrated agricultural facilities across selected regions of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia For Official State Visit
At Launch Of Ethiopia’s GLI, VP Shettima Urges Practical Action Against Climate Change
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