The Kwara State Government, North Central, Nigeria has again warned charcoal dealers to desist from illegal falling of trees for the production of charcoal or face the full wrath of the law.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman gave the warning during the ongoing enforcement exercise on deforestation.

According to him, “the major cause of deforestation is logging which is second to shifting cultivation. This imposes a great number of negative impacts on species or products produced from forest. It also has general effects on the environment and the inhabitants ranging from socioeconomic impact to health hazards.”

The Commissioner further explained that deforestation lead to climate change and if not curbed, could affect food production, the fresh air, clean water and the healthy environment the people are yearning to sustain.

He however informed the public that the transportation of charcoal by cars within the state for domestic use is still allowed but those transporting by lorries to other states will be confiscated in line with the Environmental laws of Kwara State.

He therefore warned violators to stop deforestation in the State and join hands with the state government to eradicate illegal falling of trees and sustain a clean and healthy environment for kwarans.

The Commissioners said more than 10 heavy duty lorries were apprehended during the exercise