Kano Chainsaw Ban introduces new permits to combat deforestation, enforce replanting, and boost climate resilience across the state
Kano Chainsaw Ban has officially taken effect as the state government cracks down on illegal tree felling to combat environmental degradation and climate change.
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The State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, announced the sweeping measure at a press conference in Kano, declaring a total ban on the unlicensed use of chainsaws for cutting, trimming, or felling trees anywhere in the state.
According to the commissioner, the Kano Chainsaw Ban is backed by national environmental laws including Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution, the NESREA Act 2007, and the 2014 Environmental Regulations.
The goal is to restore ecological balance, protect livelihoods, and achieve the national climate target of reducing deforestation by 60%.
To ensure compliance, the government has introduced the Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF).
This includes two permit categories: CUPF-A for commercial chainsaw operators and CUPF-B for individuals or institutions needing to trim or fell trees.
All tree removal activities—public or private—must now be officially registered.
Each felled tree must be replaced with at least two saplings, and fees collected through the permitting system will be reinvested in reforestation and climate adaptation programs.
A digital registry with QR-coded permits has been established for real-time verification. Dr. Muhammad-Hashim noted that enforcement would involve a coalition of security agencies, local authorities, traditional rulers, and trained community forest monitors.
Violators of the Kano Chainsaw Ban face stiff penalties: ₦500,000 fines or confiscation of equipment for operating without a license, and ₦250,000 per tree for unauthorized felling—plus mandatory replanting.
The commissioner called on schools, mosques, local councils, and religious leaders to support the campaign through grassroots awareness.
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He concluded by urging all chainsaw users, institutions, and individuals to comply with the new policy, emphasizing the state’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices and climate resilience.
