By Ahmed Ahmed 

The Federal Government (FG) and the Borno State Government have called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws, to sustain afforestation efforts to combat desertification, deforestation and the growing impacts of climate change across Nigeria.

The call was made during the 2026  Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Borno State Government on the National Tree-Planting Campaign on Wednesday in Maiduguri, 

Speaking at the event, Gov. Babagana  Zulum said environmental degradation remains one of the greatest threats facing communities in Borno and other parts of the Sahel region.

He noted that desert encroachment, drought, land degradation and climate change have continued to undermine agricultural productivity, increase poverty and worsen food insecurity.

According to him,  Borno State has implemented several environmental initiatives, including afforestation programmes, ecosystem restoration projects.

“Renewable energy promotion, improved waste management systems and climate resilience measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities,” he said 

Zulum, however, stressed that enforcement remains a major challenge despite the existence of laws prohibiting illegal tree felling and other environmental offences. 

He urged the Federal and State Governments to work together to establish a stronger enforcement framework capable of protecting forests and natural resources from further depletion.

The governor expressed concern over the continued harvesting and cross-border transportation of firewood, warning that unchecked deforestation poses a serious threat to future generations.

He emphasised that addressing desertification and climate change requires coordinated action among federal, state and local governments, development partners, traditional institutions and communities,

Earlier,  Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said the retreat would focus on strengthening environmental governance, institutional performance, compliance and accountability. 

He acknowledged that weak enforcement of environmental regulations remains a major obstacle to effective environmental management in Nigeria.

Lawal reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to afforestation, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation and sustainable energy initiatives.

“Including the promotion of clean cooking technologies to reduce dependence on firewood.

He urged stakeholders to translate policies into concrete actions that will secure a greener and more sustainable future for Nigeria.