By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to tackle desertification and enforce environmental protection laws, warning that weak implementation of existing regulations continues to fuel deforestation across the country.
The governor also unveiled an automatic scholarship programme for 540 local government workers to study forestry-related courses at the Federal College of Forestry, Maiduguri, as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce for sustainable environmental management.
Zulum made the announcements on Wednesday while declaring open the 2026 Annual Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Tree Planting Campaign in Maiduguri.
He lamented the indiscriminate felling of trees despite the existence of laws in Borno prescribing stiff sanctions for offenders, saying public resistance has hindered enforcement efforts.
According to him, attempts by the state government to implement penalties against illegal tree felling were met with criticism from residents who depend on firewood for domestic use.
The governor said his administration remains committed to enforcing environmental regulations while pursuing practical solutions that balance environmental protection with the livelihoods of citizens.
To address the shortage of trained forestry professionals, Zulum directed the Secretary to the State Government to work with the 27 local government councils to nominate 20 officers each from the agriculture and natural resources departments for admission into the Federal College of Forestry.
He assured that the state government would fully sponsor the 540 workers throughout their studies and absorb them into the state civil service upon graduation.
Zulum stressed that the fight against desertification requires coordinated action at all levels of government, urging federal and state authorities to harmonise policies and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
He called for tougher penalties against environmental offenders, insisting that only a united approach would halt land degradation and promote afforestation nationwide.
Highlighting his administration’s environmental agenda, the governor said Borno has continued to invest in ecosystem restoration, tree planting, waste management reforms and renewable energy initiatives while partnering with federal agencies, development partners and local communities to improve environmental resilience.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Environment for choosing Maiduguri as the venue for the retreat, describing the decision as a vote of confidence in Borno’s recovery and ongoing reconstruction efforts.
Zulum further commended the ministry for its intervention following the devastating 2024 floods, noting that its N50 million support helped the state respond to the disaster.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawan, praised Governor Zulum for his commitment to rebuilding communities and protecting the environment.
Lawan said the retreat would strengthen environmental regulation, improve institutional performance, deepen collaboration between the Federal Ministry and sub-national governments, and promote accountability in environmental governance.
The retreat, themed “Strengthening Enforcement, Innovation and Institutional Performance for Sustainable Environmental Governance,” attracted senior government officials, heads of agencies and key stakeholders, including former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Usman Mamman Durkwa; Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Salihu Aminu; Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; Head of Service, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Malumbe, representatives of the Shehu of Borno, commissioners and other senior officials.
