Nigeria, May 17 -- In a major step to protect the environment and improve public health, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has signed two executive orders.

The first order bans the indiscriminate cutting of trees, while the second makes a monthly sanitation day mandatory across the state.

Speaking at a brief ceremony on Friday at the Government House, Governor Zulum said the new measures were introduced in response to serious environmental issues, especially the widespread cutting down of trees.

"Based on the powers given to me by the Constitution and relevant Borno State laws, I officially ban the cutting of trees in the state," the governor said.

He added that anyone caught cutting trees illegally will face a fine of N250,00...