The Kano State Government has banned the unregulated use of chainsaws for tree cutting, felling, and trimming, introducing the Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) to regulate forestry activities.
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Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, announced this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Kano. According to him, the initiative is in line with Section 20 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which targets a 60 percent reduction in deforestation.
The CUPF provides for a Chainsaw Operator License (CUPF-A) and a Tree Felling/Trimming Permit (CUPF-B), supported by a digital registry with QR code verification. Operators must register with the Ministry, and felled trees must be replaced with at least two saplings.
Penalties include N500,000 fines and equipment seizure for unlicensed operations, and N250,000 per tree plus replanting for unauthorized felling.
Enforcement will involve security agencies, local councils, traditional rulers, and community monitors. The Commissioner stressed that registration and permits are compulsory to protect resources for future generations.
