Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has unveiled a programme to distribute 23,700 cooking gas cylinders to school teachers and environmental vanguards across the state’s 27 local government areas in a bid to reduce deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
The initiative, which also includes refill vouchers for beneficiaries, was announced on Thursday, during the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign and the distribution of clean cooking stoves and gas cylinders held in Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum said the first phase of the programme would see the distribution of 5,000 gas cylinders and clean cooking stoves to teachers and environmental vanguards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, with beneficiaries in the remaining 25 local government areas to be covered in subsequent phases.
According to him, the refill vouchers will allow beneficiaries to recharge their cylinders through designated vendors, ensuring sustained access to clean cooking fuel.
He noted that the intervention is designed to reduce reliance on firewood, improve household health, cut carbon emissions and protect the state’s forest resources.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending the programme to all eligible teachers across the state, describing environmental restoration as a critical component of the state’s post-conflict recovery and development agenda.
He stressed that rebuilding communities affected by insurgency must be accompanied by efforts to restore degraded ecosystems, adding that sustainable development and lasting peace depend on a healthy environment.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising environmental sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu for supporting initiatives aimed at promoting a greener Nigeria.
He further acknowledged the support of the Federal Ministry of Environment, its agencies and development partners in advancing climate resilience and environmental sustainability in Borno state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawan, applauded Governor Zulum for linking tree planting with the provision of clean cooking alternatives, describing the approach as an innovative strategy for combating deforestation.
The minister noted that replacing firewood with clean cooking gas would significantly reduce pressure on forests and commended the state government for taking practical steps toward environmental protection.
He also officially launched the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign, announcing the planting of four million seedlings across the country.
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According to him, the seedlings have been provided through collaboration with various stakeholders to support afforestation and climate action.
Lawan further praised Borno State’s environmental achievements, noting reports that more than 20 million trees have already been planted across the state. He expressed optimism that other states would adopt similar initiatives.
The minister called on governments, schools, faith-based organisations, the private sector, youth and women’s groups, and other Nigerians to make tree planting a collective responsibility in order to protect the country’s environment for future generations.
