Illegal Felling of Trees now Attracts Five-Year Jail Term

Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has announced a five-year jail term or a minimum fine of N500,000 for anyone caught felling trees illegally.

Governor Bello, who made the new law known in Mashegu the headquarters of Mashegu local government area of the state on Saturday, added that such a convict would also be expected to plant 30 new trees to replace each tree felled.

The governor said, “This new law is designed to protect the environment and ensure trees lasted their lifespan before being felled and avoid desertification.

“The law banning the felling of trees is still in force, anyone caught contravening the law will be punished.”

The governor therefore directed local government chairmen and officials of the ministry of agriculture to be extra vigilant and bring culprits to book. Governor Bello, who was on a midterm tour of the 25 local government areas, was also at Mokwa town, where he decried the lack of potable water supply in the town.

He announced that an additional 7.5 KVA generator would be given to the town to complement the existing one, saying the gesture would ensure regular supply of electricity that would power equipment in the town’s water works.

At the Government Second- ary School Mokwa, Governor Bello expressed sadness at the quality and quantity of food served the students, saying “the management of this school has failed in its responsibility,” and directed the immediate assessment and renovation of the college.