Kano reviews 67-year-old forestry laws to strengthen environmental protection

The Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has commenced a comprehensive review of the State’s forestry laws, marking a major step toward safeguarding the environment and enhancing climate resilience.

The review targets laws that have guided forest management in Kano since 1959, with the aim of updating them to address emerging environmental challenges and align with modern realities.

SolaceBase reports that the initiative comes amid growing concerns over illegal tree felling, unregulated charcoal production, indiscriminate firewood sales, and the widespread use of chainsaws, all of which continue to pose serious threats to forest resources across urban, semi-urban, rural, and protected areas of the State.

Speaking on Thursday at the opening of a two-day workshop on the review, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Mustapha Nuraddeen Muhammad, emphasised the need for collective action to ensure sustainable forest governance.

He said, “The review reflects the Ministry’s commitment to preserving environmental gains while securing a sustainable future.” He added that “unity and practical solutions are essential in addressing the challenges confronting the forestry sector.”

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In his goodwill message, the Director of Forestry, Malam Muhammad Auwal, outlined notable achievements recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner.

He disclosed that “the Ministry has procured operational equipment, distributed patrol motorcycles to forestry officers, and engaged over 150 casual forest guards to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.”

Auwal further revealed that “5.5 million tree seedlings were produced and distributed free of charge to residents across the State last year,” adding that “the Ministry is currently producing 10 million seedlings this year to promote afforestation and restore degraded lands.”

He described the ongoing review of the forestry law as a significant milestone, noting that “the legislation has remained unchanged for more than seven decades.”

According to him, “modernising the law will ensure that environmental policies are in tune with present realities and future aspirations.”

He urged participants “to contribute meaningfully to the process and bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to bear in shaping policies that will benefit Kano State and the country at large.”

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The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), traditional institutions, and academia.

It is aimed at generating expert input to reform existing forestry laws and promote sustainable forest management.