Niger state government has commenced massive and aggressive reforestation programme in a deliberate effort to reclaim all its forest reserves that have been degraded by both human and natural activities throughout the state.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Mr Lucky Barau stated this while addressing Newsmen on the outcome of State Executive Council meeting in Minna.
Mr Lucky Barau explained that already, one hundred and sixty hectares of degraded forest have so far been reclaimed in the state.
According to him efforts were on top gear to reach two hundred hectares before the end of this year.
He however said that Niger state government has raised about one million hybrid seedlings to be planted on its forest reserves to reverse the negative trend of deforestation.
Mr Lucky Barau added that Niger state government will allow farmers to utilise the reserves and will also enlighten them on how to do so without necessarily destroying the forest or destablising the ecosystem.
Cov Aliu Lawal