In a decisive step against illegal logging and indiscriminate tree felling, the Kano State Government has imposed a statewide ban on unauthorised chainsaw use and introduced a new Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) to regulate forestry activities.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, announced the measure at a press briefing in the Ministry for Local Government Conference Hall.
“This action is necessary to protect our environment from rampant deforestation, safeguard community livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” Dr Hashim told journalists, civil society groups, traditional leaders, and local government officials.
He highlighted the legal foundation of the ban, citing Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, alongside provisions of the NESREA Act (2007) and the National Environmental Regulations (2014). The initiative also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under international climate commitments.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry has created a digital registry of licensed chainsaw operators. Each permit will carry a QR code for real-time verification. Enforcement will involve collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community forest monitors.
Violators face strict penalties, including a ₦500,000 fine, confiscation, and possible imprisonment for operating chainsaws without a licence. Felling trees without a permit will attract a ₦250,000 fine per tree, mandatory replanting, and confiscation of equipment.
“We will no longer tolerate indiscriminate felling. If you cut one tree, you must plant two or three,” Dr Hashim stressed.
The new CUPF introduces a structured licensing system:
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CUPF-A: An annual licence for all commercial chainsaw operators. Chainsaws will be marked with official Ministry numbers.
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CUPF-B: A permit required for tree felling or trimming in public or private spaces, to be issued only after inspection by forestry officers.
Permit fees will fund reforestation and climate resilience projects across the state.
Dr Hashim urged community leaders, local government officials, schools, and religious institutions to play an active role in enforcement.
“We expect schools to stop unauthorised cutting of trees, and for Local Government Chairmen to safeguard gazetted reserves. Imams, pastors, and traditional leaders must educate their communities about the dangers of environmental degradation,” he said.
The Commissioner also called on Emirate Councils, district heads, and village leaders to support monitoring efforts and report violations at the grassroots.
He concluded: “We call on all chainsaw operators, institutions, businesses, and individuals to comply with this regulation. Secure a permit before trimming or felling any tree. Register your operations. Plant more trees. Let us leave a greener Kano for future generations.”