Kwara government says its order banning the production of charcoal in the state still stands.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Shehu Ndanusa, made this known while briefing journalists in Ilorin on Friday.

“The law banning the production of charcoal in Kwara is still intact,” said Mr Ndanusa. 

He added, “Whoever is caught violating the law will be sanctioned accordingly.”

The commissioner warned that the illegal felling of trees for charcoal was negatively impacting the environment, adding that the government was committed to afforestation to preserve the environment.

Mr Ndanusa said the task force on charcoal production had been ordered to move around the state to ascertain the level of compliance and impound vehicles transporting charcoal out of the state.

He said the task force and law enforcement agents have been directed to arrest trucks carrying charcoal outside the state but allow cars, buses and taxis conveying the product for domestic use.

“Do not collect money from violators. Make sure you confiscate the charcoal and the trucks and bring them to the Ministry of Environment for necessary action,” he said.

The commissioner urged the public to partner with the present administration in its efforts to tackle deforestation and promote a clean and healthy environment in the state.

(NAN)