The government of Kano State, northern Nigeria, has outlawed the illegal use of chainsaws for tree felling and trimming, warning of heavy penalties for violators as part of a new drive against deforestation.
Environment and Climate Change Commissioner, Dr Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, announced the measure on Tuesday, citing constitutional and national environmental laws. He said the decision was tied to Nigeria’s climate strategy, which seeks to reduce deforestation by more than half and restore degraded ecosystems.
Under a newly launched Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF), commercial operators must register annually for licences, while permits will be compulsory for all tree-cutting or trimming activities, whether on public or private land.
Each tree removed will have to be replaced with two or three saplings, with fees funding replanting and climate adaptation projects.
Violators face fines ranging from ₦250,000 per tree to ₦500,000 for unlicensed operations, alongside equipment seizure and potential imprisonment.
A digital permit registry with QR-code verification will support enforcement, carried out with security forces, local authorities, and community forest monitors.
Muhammad-Hashim called on traditional rulers, religious institutions, and schools to help raise awareness, urging businesses and individuals to comply with the new rules as part of wider efforts to build climate resilience in Kano.
