Kano Govt Bans Unauthorized Chainsaw Use, Launches New Permit Framework to Curb Deforestation

In a decisive step to tackle illegal logging and indiscriminate tree felling, the Kano State Government has imposed a statewide ban on unauthorized chainsaw use and introduced a new Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) to regulate forestry activities.

The announcement was made at the Ministry for Local Government Conference Hall by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, who said the move was crucial to protecting the environment, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring sustainability.

“This action is necessary to protect our environment from indiscriminate deforestation, safeguard community livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of our natural resources,” Hashim stated, addressing civil society, traditional leaders, and local government officials.

Legal Backing and Climate Commitments

The Commissioner explained that the ban draws authority from Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution, the NESREA Act (2007), and the National Environmental Regulations (2014), and aligns with Nigeria’s climate commitments under NDC 3.0.

Digital Permits and Penalties

Under the new system, a digital registry of licensed chainsaw operators will be created, with each permit featuring a QR code for real-time verification.

Violations will attract strict penalties, including:

• ?500,000 fine, confiscation, and possible imprisonment for operating chainsaws without a license.
• ?250,000 fine per tree, mandatory replanting, and confiscation of equipment for felling trees without a permit.

“We are no longer tolerating indiscriminate felling of trees. If you cut one, you must plant two or three,” Hashim emphasized.

Structure of the CUPF

The framework introduces two main permit categories:

• CUPF-A: An annual license for all commercial chainsaw operators. Chainsaws will be tagged with official Ministry numbers.
• CUPF-B: A permit required for any tree felling or trimming — whether public or private — issued only after inspection by forestry officers.

Funds generated from permit fees will be channeled into reforestation and climate resilience programs across the state.

Community Engagement

The Commissioner urged traditional rulers, local government officials, schools, and religious leaders to take active roles in enforcing the policy and sensitizing communities.

“We expect schools to stop unauthorized cutting of trees, and for Local Government Chairmen to protect gazetted reserves. Imams, pastors, and traditional leaders must educate their people about the consequences of environmental degradation,” he said.

Dr. Hashim also called on Emirate Councils, district heads, and village leaders to support monitoring and report violations at the grassroots level.

Appeal for Cooperation

Concluding his address, the Commissioner appealed for full compliance with the new regulation:
“We urge all chainsaw operators, institutions, businesses, and individuals to comply fully. Secure a permit before trimming or felling any tree. Register your operations. Plant more trees. Let us leave a greener Kano for the next generation.”