In a bold move to combat illegal logging and indiscriminate tree felling, the Kano State Government has officially announced a statewide ban on unauthorised chainsaw use, along with the rollout of a new Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) to regulate forestry activities across the state.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held at the Ministry for Local Government Conference Hall by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim.
“This action is necessary to protect our environment from indiscriminate deforestation, safeguard community livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” said Hashim, addressing members of the press, civil society, traditional leaders, and local government officials.
Hashim outlined the legal basis for the ban, citing Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as relevant provisions under the NESREA Act (2007) and the National Environmental Regulations (2014).
The policy also aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) under international climate commitments.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry has established a digital registry for licensed chainsaw operators and issued permits, each with a QR code for real-time verification. Enforcement will involve collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community forest monitors.
Violations will carry strict penalties, including a ₦500,000 fine, confiscation, and possible imprisonment for operating chainsaws without a license, and a ₦250,000 fine per tree, mandatory replanting, and confiscation of equipment for felling trees without a permit.
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