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 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.
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.Kano Travel Guide
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.
