The Jigawa State Government has warned against the use of unauthorised chainsaws to fell trees, threatening offenders with fines and jail terms.
Dr Abdullahi Umar-Namadi, Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Environment, issued the warning while speaking to newsmen after a tree planting campaign in Dutse, the state capital.
The campaign was organised by the Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
PADAC, a focal NGO of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), is spearheading a 100,000-tree planting initiative across the state.
Umar-Namadi said the state government had reviewed its environmental law to curb indiscriminate tree felling, adding that the revised law was currently before the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
“It is the policy of the state government to make Jigawa green, and this cannot be achieved unless seedlings are properly cared for,” he said.
“In addition, we are committed to maintaining the existing trees.
“If you fail to preserve the trees already planted while only focusing on new ones, and people continue to destroy the existing ones, then progress will be impossible,” he added.
“To address this, the state’s environmental law has been reviewed and is currently before the State House of Assembly for deliberation, pending final assent by His Excellency.
“Once enacted, no one will be allowed to use a chainsaw to fell trees without official approval.”
“Any chainsaw found in use without authorisation will be confiscated and become the property of the Jigawa Government,” he warned.
The permanent secretary added that any tree cut down without authorisation will attract a fine of N100,00/one year jail or both.
According to him, laws are not made to punish offenders, but to deter people from committing offences.
“This is the only way to make Jigawa green. So it not enough to plant trees, but maintain and nurture to maturity because this the only way we can enjoy the fruit of our efforts,” he said.
The permanent secretary, who described the NGO’s gesture as very “good development”, emphasised the need for benefiting communities to maintain to nurture the planted seedlings to maturity to ensure sustainable environment.
Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a senior member of the Dutse Emirate Council, noted that trees served as windbreakers and help improve air quality.
He urged parents, especially mothers, to instill the culture of tree planting in their children to promote a greener environment.
Blessing Tagaino, Programme Officer of the NGO, said the seedlings planted were climate-resilient species capable of mitigating the effects of climate change in the state.
She added that the initiative was part of the NGO’s 2025 tree planting campaign, “which aims to plant 1,500 seedlings along three selected roads in Dutse, the state capital”.
In a related development, A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Bridge That Gap, has inaugurated a large-scale tree planting campaign in Kudenda community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Kaduna, Mr. Zinta Akpoko, Programme Officer of Bridge That Gap, said the initiative was a move to combat climate change and promote greener environment in the state.
The initiative, which saw enthusiastic participation from local residents, aimed to plant hundreds of trees across the community.
Akpoko said the campaign was designed to help restore environmental balance, curb the effects of global warming, and promote sustainable living.
“Our aim is to plant as many trees as possible in Kudenda. Climate change is not a distant threat, it is already affecting us.
“By planting trees, we are taking a simple but powerful step to protect our environment and our future,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Kudenda, Mr. Gabriel Galadima, welcomed the initiative and praised the organisation’s commitment to grassroots development.
“I thank Bridge That Gap for bringing this important campaign to our chiefdom. It is a blessing to our people and a step in the right direction towards a healthier and greener Kudenda,” Galadima stated.
Some beneficiaries of the tree seedlings, Sarki Syprian and Juli Jude, expressed gratitude to the NGO.
Syprian noted that the campaign brought hope to communities often overlooked in environmental efforts.
“This campaign is a great gift to our community. We are grateful and we urge other organisations to emulate this noble initiative,” he advised.
On her part, Jude, observed that planting trees “are planting life for tomorrow.”
While thanking Bridge That Gap for the initiative, Jude encouraged other NGOs to spread their tentacles to grassroots communities with similar impactful programmes.
The campaign is designed to continue over the coming weeks, with plans to expand the initiative to neighbouring communities, reinforcing the message that local action could drive global change.
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir and Sani Idris