By Atoyebi Nike
The Kano State Government has announced a total ban on the unlicensed use of chainsaws for tree cutting, felling, and trimming in a renewed push to protect the environment and reduce deforestation.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, disclosed the measure at a press briefing on Tuesday, citing the 1999 Constitution, the NESREA Act 2007, and the National Environmental Regulations 2014 as legal backing.
He said the move aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) strategy, which targets a 60 per cent reduction in deforestation and restoration of degraded forests.
To enforce compliance, the state has launched the Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF). It includes two categories: the Chainsaw Operator License (CUPF-A) for commercial users and logging firms, and the Tree Felling/Trimming Permit (CUPF-B) for individuals and institutions.
According to the commissioner, every tree felled must be replaced with two or three saplings. Fees collected will be directed towards replanting and climate resilience projects. A digital registry with QR code verification has also been created to track permits, supported by security agencies, local councils, and traditional institutions.
Violators will face penalties ranging from equipment confiscation to fines of ₦500,000, with additional charges of ₦250,000 per tree felled without authorization, alongside mandatory replanting and possible imprisonment.
“We call on community leaders, schools, mosques, and traditional rulers to sensitise residents about the dangers of illegal tree cutting,” Muhammad-Hashim said, urging full compliance.
