REPORT TO HIS EXCELLENCY BARR. PETER MBAH EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE

Urgent Report on the Ongoing Deforestation of Aesthetic and Ornamental Pine Trees Along Milkin Hill Ngwo and Its Implications for Tourism and Environmental Sustainability

Date: 12 March 2026

Your Excellency Sir,

I respectfully write to draw your kind attention to a disturbing trend of deforestation currently taking place along Milkin Hill Ngwo, one of Enugu State’s most iconic natural landmarks.

As a proud citizen who values the progress and vision of your administration, I am aware that one of your key agendas is to position Enugu State as a premier tourist destination in Nigeria. Milkin Hill stands as a flagship attraction within this vision.

Milkin Hill Ngwo is renowned worldwide among visitors as the breathtaking winding road lined with tall, lush pine trees that provide a majestic canopy of shade, cool breezes, and scenic beauty. Tourists travel from far and wide specifically to experience this unique stretch, taking photographs, enjoying picnics, and admiring the panoramic views of the city below. The ornamental pine trees create an unforgettable first impression for anyone entering Enugu through this historic colonial-era route.

Regrettably, some individuals have recently embarked on the indiscriminate felling and destruction of these beautiful pine trees. If unchecked, this act of environmental vandalism threatens to erase the very features that make Milkin Hill a magnet for tourism. I am not certain whether Your Excellency has been fully briefed on the extent of the damage, hence this formal report.

Benefits of Preserving Milkin Hill with Its Tall Pine Trees as a Tourist Environment

The presence of these ornamental pine trees delivers immense value to Enugu State in multiple dimensions:
Aesthetic and Scenic Appeal:

The tall pines transform the road into a picturesque tunnel of greenery, offering stunning 360-degree mountain views and a cool, refreshing atmosphere that stands out in Nigeria’s tropical landscape. This unique beauty draws ecotourists, photographers, hikers, and families for leisure and sightseeing.

Microclimate Regulation and Comfort: The dense canopy provides essential shade and lowers ambient temperatures, creating a serene escape from the heat of the surrounding areas. Visitors frequently describe the cool breeze and tranquil environment as the highlight of their trip.

Erosion Control and Road Stability: Planted approximately 50 years ago primarily to combat severe soil erosion on the hillside, the pine trees anchor the soil along this steep, undulating terrain, protecting the only major road link from 9th Mile to Enugu city.

Biodiversity and Ecological Services: The forest supports local wildlife, improves air quality through oxygen production and carbon sequestration, and maintains overall environmental balance.

Economic and Tourism Boost: By enhancing Enugu’s image as a tourism hub, the trees directly contribute to revenue generation through increased visitor traffic, local hospitality businesses, and related economic activities – aligning perfectly with your administration’s tourism development goals.

Dangers and Consequences of Destroying the Trees

The continued removal of these trees poses immediate and long-term threats:

Soil Erosion and Landslide Risks: Without the root systems to hold the soil, the steep slopes of Milkin Hill become vulnerable to erosion, gully formation, and potential landslides that could damage the road infrastructure and endanger lives and property.

Loss of Tourist Attraction: The disappearance of the green canopy will strip away the scenic beauty and cool shade that define the experience, leading to fewer visitors, negative reviews, and reduced tourism revenue – directly undermining your vision for Enugu as a tourist state.

Environmental Degradation: Deforestation will increase local temperatures, reduce biodiversity, impair air quality, and contribute to broader climate change effects. Runoff from exposed soil may also pollute nearby water sources.

Threat to Road Safety and Stability: The Milliken Hill Road itself is already at risk from these activities, as the loss of vegetation destabilises the terrain and accelerates wear on this critical transportation link.

Your Excellency, the destruction is not only an environmental crime but also an economic sabotage that contradicts the transformative tourism agenda your government is vigorously pursuing.

Recommendations

In view of the above, I humbly recommend the following urgent actions:

Direct the Ministries of Environment, Tourism, and Works to immediately investigate and halt all illegal logging activities along Milkin Hill.

Strengthen enforcement through regular patrols, community sensitisation, and stiff penalties for offenders.
Launch a rapid reforestation programme to replace felled trees and restore the canopy.

Incorporate Milkin Hill and the adjoining Ngwo Pine Forest into your flagship tourism projects (such as the planned theme park upgrades) with proper signage, security, and visitor facilities.
Consider declaring the area a protected ecological zone to safeguard it for future generations.

Your Excellency Sir, Enugu State under your leadership has already recorded remarkable strides in infrastructure and tourism.

Preserving Milkin Hill will further cement this legacy and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from this natural treasure.
I remain available for any further clarification or engagement on this matter and pray that swift intervention is taken to arrest the situation.
Thank you for your exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the progress of Enugu State.

Yours faithfully,
Odogwu Akin
Concerned Citizen
Enugu, Nigeria
(A Proud Supporter of Enugu’s Tourism Vision)