By Abdullahi Lukman
The Jigawa State Government has issued a stern warning against the unauthorised use of chainsaws to fell trees, threatening offenders with fines of ₦100,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
The warning came as the state launched a large-scale tree planting initiative to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
Dr. Abdullahi Umar-Namadi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, gave the warning on Wednesday, after a tree planting campaign in Dutse, organised by the Partnership for Development Action (PADAC), a key NGO under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. The initiative aims to plant 100,000 trees across Jigawa State.
The state government, he said, has revised its environmental law to deter illegal logging and promote tree preservation.
The amended law, currently before the State House of Assembly, will prohibit the use of chainsaws without official permission. Any confiscated chainsaw will become state property.
“It’s not enough to plant new trees—we must also protect the ones already growing,” Umar-Namadi said. “No green Jigawa is possible if people continue to destroy trees with impunity.”
He stressed that the law is meant to serve as a deterrent rather than a punishment and urged communities to nurture the seedlings to maturity.
The campaign received support from traditional institutions. Alhaji Mustafa Aminu of the Dutse Emirate Council underscored the ecological importance of trees, describing them as essential for cleaner air and wind protection.
He called on families to pass down the culture of tree planting to younger generations.
Blessing Tagaino, Programme Officer at PADAC, said the tree species used were climate-resilient and capable of withstanding environmental stress.
She explained that the NGO’s 2025 campaign focuses on planting 1,500 seedlings along three key roads in the state capital.
In a related effort, another NGO, Bridge That Gap, launched a large-scale tree planting campaign in the Kudenda community of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on the same day.
Speaking during the launch, Programme Officer Zinta Akpoko said the campaign aims to fight climate change and promote environmental restoration by planting hundreds of trees.
“Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to combat climate change at the grassroots,” Akpoko said.
The campaign was met with enthusiasm by community members, including traditional ruler Mr. Gabriel Galadima, who called the project “a blessing” and a sign of inclusive development.
Local beneficiaries praised the initiative. “This campaign is a great gift,” said Sarki Syprian.
“It brings hope to communities often forgotten in environmental efforts.”
Another resident, Juli Jude, said tree planting means “planting life for tomorrow.”
Bridge That Gap plans to expand its project to neighbouring communities in the coming weeks, reinforcing the idea that local action plays a vital role in global environmental solutions.
