By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has directed the immediate suspension of tree felling activities within the premises of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), following growing public concerns and reports highlighting the development.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Ameen Kabeer Yassar, Director of Information, Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, following the commissioner’s unscheduled visit to the television station.
The intervention came days after ‘The Historica Nigeria’ published reports detailing allegations of indiscriminate tree felling within the station and concerns raised by residents of Hotoro and surrounding communities over the environmental implications of the exercise.
According to the statement, Waiya said he was disturbed by a viral video showing trees being cut down within the premises of the station, stressing that such actions run contrary to the environmental protection and climate change policies of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
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He directed that henceforth, no tree should be cut within the facility without obtaining official approval and consulting relevant government agencies responsible for forestry and environmental management.
The commissioner noted that the depletion of natural resources, particularly trees, poses serious environmental consequences and should not be encouraged under any circumstance.
“The cutting of trees within the premises must stop immediately. Any future action of that nature must follow due process and receive approval from the appropriate authorities,” Waiya stated.
The development comes amid conflicting claims over the extent of tree felling at the station. While residents and some staff members had alleged that significant numbers of trees were removed and commercialised, the management of ARTV had earlier denied the allegations, insisting that only a few trees were removed for security reasons.
However, environmental stakeholders and residents have continued to call for an independent investigation to establish the true situation and ensure accountability.
Beyond the environmental concerns, the commissioner also expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of operations at the government-owned television station.
According to the statement, Waiya observed that findings available to the ministry indicated that ARTV had fallen short of viewers’ expectations due to stale programme content, weak news production quality and inadequate adaptation to modern broadcasting trends.
He noted that unlike many contemporary television stations that provide real-time audience engagement and digital viewing opportunities, ARTV has remained largely conservative in its operational approach, making it difficult to compete effectively within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
“The situation runs contrary to the character of the Abba Kabir Yusuf administration, which believes and thrives on digital and modern operational practices in every sector of human development in the state,” the commissioner said.
Waiya further stressed that for the station to make meaningful progress, its management must become more proactive in utilising annual budgetary allocations for transformational projects capable of improving service delivery and public engagement.
He particularly emphasised the need for continuous staff training, professional development and investment in digital broadcasting infrastructure.
The commissioner disclosed that he would submit a special report to Governor Yusuf recommending targeted intervention measures aimed at repositioning ARTV through comprehensive digital upgrades and enhanced operational capacity.
He also charged the station’s management to strengthen transparency, accountability and effective personnel management in order to improve overall performance and public confidence.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Managing Director of ARTV, Malam Idris Abba Musa, acknowledged that the organisation was facing several operational challenges, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, inadequate staff training and limited digitisation of broadcasting facilities.
He expressed optimism that government intervention and support would help address the challenges confronting the station and improve its competitiveness within the broadcasting industry.
The commissioner’s intervention represents the first official government action on the issue since concerns over tree felling at the station were brought to public attention by ‘The Historica Nigeria’.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the directive, describing it as a positive step toward protecting the environment and ensuring that government institutions comply with the same environmental standards they are expected to promote.