Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba, has announced the dissolution of the state’s Special Taskforce on Environmental Protection, News About Nigeria reports.
Kefas stated that the state government would continue to combat illegal mining and the activities of miners.
On Wednesday, the taskforce, chaired by retired Brigadier General J.A. Faransa, was directed to conclude its operations and submit its findings, reports, and recommendations to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) for further review and action.
In a notice issued and signed by Mrs. Jemimah Nwunuji, the Permanent Secretary to the SSG, it was announced that environmental enforcement has been transferred and will now fall under the jurisdiction of the state’s 16 local government councils.
“The council chairmen will be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations within their territories,” the SSG said.
However, a few individuals welcomed the dissolution, noting that actions such as the crackdown on charcoal use had worsened living conditions for the poor.
Recall that the taskforce was initially established to address illegal and illicit activities capable of causing environmental destruction.
The force became controversial after its enforcement and implementation led to the massive destruction of mining equipment worth billions of naira in the Akwana community of Wukari Council.
Further details in the notice revealed that the governor has appointed retired General Faransa as the new Chairman of the Taraba State Internal Revenue Board.
The notice added that the restructuring is a strategic move to improve oversight and enforcement at the grassroots level, ensuring that the state’s environmental protection efforts remain robust and effective.
