The Nasarawa government claims that it has banned charcoal sales in the state, as part of its efforts to protect the environment.
Aliyu Agwai (permanent secretary, ministry of natural resources and environment), made this disclosure on Saturday, while addressing journalists in Lafia.
According to NAN Agwai, the process of making charcoal is harmful to the climate because it emits toxic fumes that can be harmful to the environment and intensifies global warming.
Cutting trees can result in the loss of habitat for animal species, which can harm the ecosystems,” he added.
Almost all the land animals and plants live in forests and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes.”
He warned citizens not to use or sell charcoal, and said that anyone who does so will be prosecuted.
Agwai also thanked residents for adhering to the sanitation programme.
Normally, sanitation is done on the last Saturday in each month. However, today was chosen because of the Christmas celebration.
We only allowed those with permission from the relevant ministry, or on essential services, to pass and move around during the exercise.”
Abubakar Mohammed (chief environmental officer) stated that 32 suspects were arrested by a mobile court for environmental crimes in Lafia for violating environmental sanitation laws.
He said that the suspects were sentenced for six months imprisonment with an option of fines between N5,000 and N50,000.