Kwara Govt Okays Conditional Re-opening of Forest for Sawmilers

The Kwara State Government has officially announced the re-opening of forests in the State for sawmilling and forestry related activities with conditions aimed at preserving the forests as crucial natural resources for generations to come. 

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Environment, Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge, as part of the government's position while interacting with officials and key-stakeholders of saw millers, chainsaw operators and plank sellers in the State today.

It would be recalled that the forests were declared closed in January 2025 to enhance natural regeneration of the forests and allow the Ministry gainful opportunity to engage relevant stakeholders towards adopting best practices while pursuing economic activities within the forests' terrain.

Declaring the forests open, Hajia Buge stated that the initial closure was inevitable and also in response to international reports on the status of Kwara on climate related matters. "The forests play key roles in climate change and in sustaining human lives. Hence, we need to take proactive measures to mitigate the consequences of deforestation." 

"Henceforth, it is a crime to cut economic trees, without replanting," the Commissioner stated. She lamented how unfair human activities has been to shea butter and locust beans trees, which are both crucial to economic sustenance in both the rural and urban areas. 

The Commissioner further urged the attendees to remain committed to their pact with the government, which includes proper registration to practice as sawmillers, renewal by already registered companies and strict adherence to the principle of planting 5 trees in replacement of any tree that is cut down for any purpose while they should also embrace the use of commercial waste management companies in disposing their waste rather than setting them on fire.

Buge equally warned that culprits, including unregistered operators, would be prosecuted, in line with the extant laws of the State, adding that licenses of such companies would be revoked.

Present at the interactive engagement were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Protection, Hon. Muhammed Muazu, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Director Personnel, finance and Supply, Director Forestry, and other key officers of the Ministry.

 Jatto Shukurat Adenike

Asst. Press Secretary

MoE

0806 121 7612