November 2, 2022

“Environmentally harmful production process” — Nasarawa bans the use of charcoal

The Nasarawa government says it has banned the use and sale of charcoal in the state as part of environmental protection efforts.

Aliyu Agwai, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources revealed this on Saturday while speaking to reporters in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa.

According to NAN, Agwai said the charcoal production process is dangerous for the climate as it emits harmful fumes which are toxic to the environment and also intensifies global warming.

“Tree cutting can lead to loss of habitat for animal species, which can harm ecosystems,” he added.

“Almost all land animals and plants live in forests and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes.”

He warned citizens against using and selling charcoal, adding that those who violate the law will be prosecuted.

Agwai also commended residents for complying with the state’s sanitation program.

“Usually every last Saturday of the month is set aside for sanitation exercises, but we’ve moved it back to today because of the Christmas party,” he said.

“We only allowed those who had permission from the relevant ministry or essential services to pass through and move around during the exercise.”

On his part, Abubakar Mohammed, director of the environment, said that a mobile environmental crimes court has indicted 32 suspects for violating environmental sanitation laws in Lafia.

He said the suspects were sentenced to six months imprisonment with fine options ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 naira.