Ilorin: The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to ensure the enforcement of the Kwara State Charcoal Production Prohibition Law and prosecute violators. This resolution was reached during a plenary session where a Motion on Notice titled ‘Urgent Need to Enforce Existing Laws against Charcoal Production and Transportation in Kwara’ was presented by Halidu Danbaba, representing APC/Kaiama/Kemaji/Wajibe Constituency.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Danbaba emphasized that charcoal production greatly contributes to deforestation, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity, which adversely affects local livelihoods, particularly those reliant on forest resources. He highlighted the rapid depletion of forests, especially in Kaiama and surrounding areas, posing long-term challenges for climate resilience, food security, and water availability.
The lawmaker expressed concern over the lack of enforcement and compliance with existing environmental laws and forestry regulations aimed at controlling logging and charcoal production activities. He warned that without decisive actions to regulate these activities, the state risks facing irreversible ecological damage, increased susceptibility to diseases, loss of lives, and reduced revenue.
Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu read the resolutions, urging the governor to instruct the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Justice, and the Commissioner for Environment to enforce the existing law as a deterrent. The House also appealed to the Ministry of Environment and the State Environmental Protection Agency to increase surveillance and halt illegal charcoal production and transportation, especially in Kwara North’s Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas.
The lawmakers unanimously directed the House Committee on Environment and Forestry to conduct an investigative oversight visit to Kaiama and other affected areas to assess the scale of illegal charcoal operations. The committee is expected to recommend further legislative or policy actions based on their findings.
Additionally, the speaker called on the Ministry of Communication to enhance public awareness regarding the immediate and long-term consequences of large-scale charcoal production on citizens’ welfare.
Meanwhile, a Bill to re-enact the Area Courts Law, aiming to provide for the Constitution of Area Courts and improve the Administration of Justice in Kwara, passed its first reading during the plenary session.
