The Kano State government has placed an immediate ban on tree felling in the state as part of efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment.

Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, said the ban also covers the use of chainsaws for logging and tree trimming.

He explained that anyone caught breaking the order could face heavy fines, jail time, and the confiscation of their equipment.

Under the new rule, anyone using a chainsaw without a government licence risks a ₦500,000 fine or imprisonment. In addition, those who cut down trees illegally will pay ₦250,000 for each tree felled and will be required to plant replacements.

Dr. Hashim stressed that the government is acting within the law to protect the environment and the livelihood of communities.

He cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the NESREA Act of 2007, and the National Environmental Regulations of 2014, which give the state power to regulate tree cutting and charcoal production.

To properly monitor activities, the commissioner said the state will introduce a Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF). This means all commercial loggers and chainsaw operators must register with the government. Permits will only be issued after inspection and approval.

He added that registered operators will also have to plant two or three new trees for every one they cut. Money collected from permits will go into reforestation and climate resilience projects across the state.

Kano govt bans tree felling, reels out new laws