Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has raised concerns over the growing threat of environmental degradation caused by unchecked charcoal production activities in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by representatives of Oxfam and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture in Bauchi on Monday, Governor Mohammed identified charcoal production as a major contributor to deforestation and a driver of climate change, warning that the state can no longer afford to be indifferent in the face of escalating ecological threats.
He noted that the rampant cutting down of trees for charcoal not only undermines forest resources but also exposes communities to desert encroachment and adverse climatic conditions.
“We are witnessing the devastation of our natural environment due to these indiscriminate activities. It is unsustainable, and we must act decisively to reverse the trend,” the governor said.
Governor Mohammed reiterated his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He pledged to back legislative measures that promote climate resilience and regulate exploitative practices across the state.
In their remarks, the Oxfam team urged the state government to expedite the enactment of a dedicated climate and environmental protection law. They stressed that a strong legal and institutional framework was crucial to institutionalizing climate action and attracting global partnerships and funding support.
They commended the governor’s leadership on environmental issues and pledged Oxfam’s continued technical support to strengthen local climate adaptation strategies.
