The Kano State Government has announced a ban on the illegal use of chainsaws for tree cutting, felling, and trimming, introducing a new Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) to regulate forestry activities across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing held in Kano.
Dr. Hashim said the measure was taken to protect Kano’s environment from indiscriminate deforestation, safeguard community livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
“This decisive step is necessary to strengthen resilience against climate change and to guarantee a healthier environment for present and future generations,” he stated.
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The ban, according to the Commissioner, is supported by Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates government to protect and improve the environment. It also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which targets a 60 percent reduction in deforestation and restoration of degraded forests through sustainable management.
The Kano State Government has further empowered the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to regulate forestry, enforce penalties, and manage climate impacts.
To ensure fairness and accountability, the CUPF will regulate both chainsaw operators and tree felling activities.
Chainsaw Operator License (CUPF-A): All commercial chainsaw operators and logging businesses must register with the Ministry. Operators will be assigned identification codes, and their machines will be marked with Ministry-issued numbers.
Tree Felling/Trimming Permit (CUPF-B): Individuals, businesses, institutions, or religious bodies must obtain permits before cutting, trimming, or uprooting trees. Approval will only be granted after inspection by Forestry Officers. Additionally, every tree removed must be replaced with two or three new saplings under the state’s reforestation plan.
Fees collected from permits will be channeled into replanting projects and climate resilience programs.
The Ministry has created a digital registry of licensed operators and permits, each carrying a QR code for real-time verification. Enforcement will be carried out in partnership with security agencies, local councils, traditional institutions, and community forest monitors.
Violators risk: ₦500,000 fine, confiscation of equipment, and possible imprisonment for operating without a license and ₦250,000 fine per tree, mandatory replanting orders, and confiscation for felling trees without a permit.
Dr. Hashim called on schools, religious leaders, local government chairmen, and traditional institutions to play active roles in protecting the environment. He urged school authorities to seek approval before cutting trees, imams to preach against indiscriminate felling during sermons, and traditional rulers to mobilize grassroots monitoring.
The Commissioner emphasized that compliance with the new framework is non-negotiable. He urged all operators, businesses, and individuals to register with the Ministry and secure permits before engaging in tree-related activities.
“This initiative sets a new standard for environmental governance in Kano State. By enforcing this ban and introducing CUPF, we are taking a bold step to combat illegal deforestation and protect our green cover,” Dr. Hashim said.