Kano Government Bans Unlicenced Use of Saws, Tackles Deforestation

By: Jeremiah Silva

The Kano State Government has banned the unlicensed use of chainsaws for tree cutting, felling, and trimming in a new move to tackle deforestation.

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, announced the policy on Tuesday, citing Section 20 of the 1999 Constitution, the NESREA Act 2007, and the National Environmental Regulations 2014 as legal backing.

“This decision aligns with Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 strategy to reduce deforestation by 60 per cent and restore degraded forests through sustainable management,” Muhammad-Hashim said.

Under the new Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF), operators must obtain either a Chainsaw Operator License (CUPF-A) for commercial use or a Tree Felling/Trimming Permit (CUPF-B) for private or public tree removal.

Violators face fines of ₦500,000, confiscation of chainsaws, and possible jail terms, while illegal tree felling attracts ₦250,000 per tree plus mandatory replanting.

Muhammad-Hashim urged local governments, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to sensitise residents, stressing that each felled tree must be replaced with at least two saplings.