Warns against Illegal Logging, Vows to Prosecute Perpetrators
Samuel Oyejola, Abuja
“Forest loss and damage is the cause of around 10% of global warming. There’s simply no way we can fight the climate crisis if we don’t stop deforestation.
The Conservator General of the National Parks Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni has reiterated his commitments to build a Climate Resilient Environment as he warned against illegal logging ongoing across the nation’s National Parks, added that the Service will arrest and prosecute anyone found involved in such an dangerous act, he said, “Illegal logging can cause serious environmental issues to Nigeria’s ecosystem.
Dr. Goni stated this on Wednesday during a Media parley on the Service’s stand on illegal logging going on across Nigeria’s forests reserves and also to continue to remind the public of the dangers associated with it.
According to the Conservator General, “Reports have shown that some Nigerians still engage in, and abet, serious illegal logging which causes deforestation across the country.
“The Service condemns these nefarious activities and warns that the long arms of the law will soon catch up with the perpetrators.”
He stated further that, the Service had identifies ignorance as a serious problem among Nigeria. “We have also identified ignorance among Nigerians as one of the key factors militating against efforts to fight this environmental disaster.”
Dr Goni maintained that, “The risks from illegal logging are dire; trees absorb and store carbon dioxide. If forests are cleared, or even disturbed, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which will be harmful to the environment and humans as well.
“Nigeria and Nigerians will be the victims of the activities of these illegal loggers if they continue unchecked.”
The CG also emphasized the need to maintain best practices so as to help safe our environment. He said, “A safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is the foundation of human life. But today, because of human action the crises of climate change are directly and severely impacting our lives and environment negatively. Deforestation affects us all, whether we realise it or not.”
Adding that, “Forests have a big influence on rainfall patterns, water and soil quality and flood prevention too. Millions of people and animals rely directly on forests for their livelihood.
“Forest loss and damage is the cause of around 10% of global warming. There’s simply no way we can fight the climate crisis if we don’t stop deforestation.
“It will lead to more infectious diseases in humans as it has been established that deforestation can be a strong driver of infectious disease transmission.
“It reduces biodiversity; the release of greenhouse gas emissions has been negatively affecting natural ecosystems and the climate.”
Goni reiterates his commitments to fighting hard in stopping forest destruction. “Our environmental campaigns together with other stakeholders are starting to pay off, but there is still a lot more to do.
“We need to constantly educate and sensitise our people on the imminent dangers we face if we don’t stop the constant deforestation.
“The effects of climate change know no boundaries, know no poor or rich, although the poor are likely to be affected the most.”
On the Service engagement with people, the CG said, “We have to raise the bar of sensitisation against illegal logging higher indeed; our common future depends on it.
“People know these illegal loggers and their buyers, they live among us, and they should report them to the appropriate authorities because the evil they are covering will consume us all, if not nipped in the bud.
“We must work together to assist in addressing this and other crucial issues in our environment.”
According to the CG, “Our office is open to collaboration and ideas and will continue to work on letting our people know the danger we face.
“This is a call to action for all well-meaning Nigerians to join in the fight of protecting our ecosystem.”
