By Philip Nwosu
The Lagos State government, said, yesterday, that it is now an offence for residents of the state to cut down trees without informing the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).
According to Governor Akinwumi Ambode, indiscriminate felling of trees in Lagos State is violation of the existing law, adding that in the event that trees must be removed to pave way for developmental project, it must be done under the supervision and direction of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency.
He spoke at the weekend at the 9 Brigade Headquarters inside Ikeja Cantonment during the 2017 edition of the tree planting campaign, warning that the continued exploitation and destruction of the state’s natural resources have left Lagosians in dire consequences such as global warming, ocean and sea level rise.
According to the governor, any resident of Lagos who is caught cutting down trees would be made to replant and nurture five trees to growth.
The Governor who was represented by the 9 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Elias Attu said trees are essential to human existence as they provide food, shelter remedy for ill health, source of energy and also help to control storm water.
The governor also called on private developers in the state to support the campaign for greener Lagos by desisting from massive deforestation in the name of site clearing for house and infrastructural development.