By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Government says it will commence strict enforcement of the state’s Tree Felling Law, warning that anyone who fells trees without official approval will be prosecuted.
The Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, issued the warning during a stakeholders’ engagement with the leadership of the Anambra State Timber Dealers Association in Awka on Aug. 3.
Aguiyi said the enforcement was in line with the Soludo administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability under its Fifth Pillar of Development, Environment and Urban Regeneration.
He noted that although the Tree Felling Law had been in existence for years, the government was now committed to ensuring full compliance across the state.
According to him, no individual, company or organisation is permitted to fell any tree without obtaining prior approval from the Ministry of Environment.
The commissioner said the meeting was organised to sensitise timber dealers ahead of the enforcement exercise, stressing that ignorance of the law would no longer be accepted as a defence.
He described the state’s environmental situation as alarming, noting that Anambra has more than 1,000 active erosion sites, many of which have been worsened by indiscriminate tree felling.
Aguiyi said unchecked deforestation contributes to erosion, biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change, urging timber dealers to support government efforts by planting trees and reporting illegal tree felling as well as encroachment on forest reserves.
“The protection of our environment is a collective responsibility. Government alone cannot safeguard our forests. We need stakeholders like you to become champions of conservation and sustainable resource management,” he said.
In a response, the leadership of the Anambra State Timber Dealers Association commended the ministry for the engagement and pledged to sensitise its members on the provisions of the law. The association also assured the ministry of its commitment to complying with environmental regulations in the state.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation,Anambra State
