Borno Free Gas Cylinders for Teachers to Boost Clean Energy and Environmental Protection
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has unveiled an ambitious environmental sustainability programme that will provide 23,700 free cooking gas cylinders to school teachers and environmental vanguards across the state’s 27 local government areas.
The initiative, which also includes the distribution of clean cooking stoves and refill vouchers, is designed to reduce dependence on firewood, combat deforestation, improve public health, and encourage the adoption of cleaner household energy across Borno State.
Governor Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign and Distribution of Clean Cooking Stoves and Gas Cylinders held in Maiduguri.
First Phase Targets 5,000 Beneficiaries
According to Governor Zulum, the programme will commence with the distribution of 5,000 cooking gas cylinders and clean cooking stoves to teachers and environmental vanguards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere Local Government Area.
The remaining 18,700 beneficiaries in the other 25 local government areas will receive theirs in subsequent phases until every eligible teacher and environmental volunteer is covered.
To ensure sustainability, the governor announced that beneficiaries would receive gas refill vouchers, allowing them to refill their cylinders through approved vendors without bearing the initial financial burden.
”The programme does not end with the distribution of the gas cooking cylinders. We shall also be giving them vouchers that they will use to refill their cylinders from designated vendors,” Governor Zulum said.
Clean Cooking Initiative to Reduce Deforestation
Governor Zulum explained that the programme forms part of his administration’s broader environmental restoration strategy aimed at protecting Borno’s forests from excessive logging caused by the widespread use of firewood.
He noted that replacing traditional firewood with cleaner cooking gas would significantly reduce environmental degradation while improving household health and lowering carbon emissions.
According to him, the initiative will:
Reduce dependence on firewood.
Protect forests from deforestation.
Improve family health by reducing indoor air pollution.
Lower carbon emissions.
Enhance environmental sustainability.
Improve the quality of life for thousands of households.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the programme across all local government areas.
Environmental Restoration Central to Borno’s Recovery
Governor Zulum stressed that rebuilding communities affected by insurgency must go beyond infrastructure development to include ecological restoration.
He noted that environmental sustainability remains a key component of the state’s rebuilding agenda.
”As we reconstruct communities affected by conflict, we must equally restore the ecosystem that sustains the communities.
Sustainable peace and sustainable development cannot flourish in a degraded environment.”
The governor further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising environmental protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for championing environmental conservation initiatives across Nigeria.
Minister Launches Four Million Seedlings Tree Planting Campaign
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawan, officially flagged off the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign, announcing the planting of four million seedlings nationwide.
The minister described Borno’s approach as innovative because it combines tree planting with practical alternatives to firewood.
According to him, providing clean cooking gas to households will help preserve newly planted trees by reducing pressure on forest resources.
”This is the first time I have seen tree planting connected with practical alternatives. The Governor is giving teachers clean cooking stoves and gas cylinders. If you can remove 5,000 people from using firewood, it is a great achievement.”
He also acknowledged that over 20 million trees have already been planted across Borno State, describing the achievement as remarkable and worthy of replication by other states.
Call for Nationwide Environmental Action
The Minister urged state governments, local councils, schools, religious institutions, youth organisations, women groups, development partners, private sector organisations and all Nigerians to actively participate in tree planting efforts.
He said protecting the environment requires collective responsibility and sustained commitment from every citizen.
According to him, increasing tree cover remains one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, reduce desertification and improve environmental resilience across Nigeria.
Clean Energy and Tree Planting: A Sustainable Future
The combination of free cooking gas distribution and large-scale tree planting reflects a long-term strategy aimed at balancing environmental conservation with improved living standards.
By reducing reliance on firewood while simultaneously restoring degraded forests, the initiative is expected to strengthen climate resilience, improve public health, promote cleaner energy adoption and contribute to sustainable development across Borno State.
As implementation progresses across all 27 local government areas, the programme is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive state-led environmental sustainability initiatives, combining renewable energy adoption with aggressive afforestation to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
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