Environment

Fresh questions have continued to trail the removal of trees within the premises of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) in Kano following an investigative report by ‘The Historica Nigeria’ which highlighted concerns raised by residents over the felling of mature trees within the facility. The report, published after separate visits to the station and interviews with residents of Hotoro and neighbouring communities, documented allegations that a significant number of indigenous and economic trees had been removed from the premises of the television station, which for decades remained one of the greenest public institutions in Kano metropolis. Residents interviewed by ‘The Historica Nigeria’ expressed concern that the continued removal of trees could worsen environmental conditions in the area, including rising temperatures, declining air quality and loss of valuable indigenous species. Some staff members who spoke on condition of anonymity also described the development as disturbing, alleging that several of the affected trees had stood within the station’s premises for decades before they were removed. Related: Photos: How Kano Government-Owned Television Station Became a Source of Commercial Firewood Why Gobirawa’s Centuries-Old Agrarian Life is at Risk in Kano Anti-Desertification Agency Relocates Headquarters to Kano One of the residents, Malam Ibrahim Adamu, stated that many of the affected trees were among the few remaining indigenous species still found within Kano metropolis. According to him, some of the trees can now only be found in remote rural communities. “Many traditional and indigenous trees were wiped out. Today, some of them can hardly be found except in remote areas. Apart from providing environmental protection and reducing heat during the dry season, many of these trees are also used for medicinal purposes,” he said. The concerns come at a time when the Kano State Government is intensifying efforts to combat indiscriminate tree felling through stricter environmental regulations, forestry reforms and enforcement measures aimed at protecting the state’s ecological resources. In line with professional journalistic practice, ‘The Historica Nigeria’ stated that several efforts were made to obtain official comments from the management of ARTV before publication. The newspaper also reached out to relevant environmental authorities, including officials of the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, as part of efforts to obtain all sides of the story before publication. However, no official response was received from the station before the report was published. The newspaper further disclosed that a senior management official of the station, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed concerns surrounding the tree removal activities within the premises. Following publication of the report and its subsequent circulation across various online media platforms, ARTV management issued a statement rejecting allegations of large-scale tree felling and commercialisation of wood within the station. The management maintained that only a few trees were removed after security assessments allegedly identified parts of the premises as hideouts for suspected criminal elements. According to the station, the exercise was undertaken purely for security reasons and not for commercial purposes. The management also faulted the report, arguing that the station was not given an opportunity to present its position before publication. However, ‘The Historica Nigeria’ maintained that multiple attempts were made to contact relevant officials before publication and that such efforts yielded no response. The newspaper further observed that ARTV’s response effectively confirmed that tree removal activities took place within the station, although management disputed the scale and circumstances presented by residents and environmental stakeholders. The newspaper also noted that the response was issued only after the report had generated widespread public discussion and had been republished by other online media platforms. ‘The Historica Nigeria’ further observed that the statement issued in response to the report did not bear the name, designation or signature of any management official authorised to speak on behalf of the station. Media practitioners note that attribution and accountability are important elements of professional communication, particularly when responding to matters of significant public interest. The absence of an identifiable signatory on the statement has raised additional questions regarding official responsibility for the response and the internal communication procedures through which it was issued. Despite ARTV’s explanation, several questions raised by residents and environmental advocates remain unanswered. Among them are why the trees were removed in the first instance, whether approval was obtained from relevant forestry authorities, what became of the felled trees after removal, whether environmental impact considerations were undertaken before the exercise, and whether security concerns alone justified the removal of mature trees that had stood within the facility for decades. Residents also continue to question claims that only a few trees were affected, insisting that the scale of tree removal was more significant than acknowledged in the station’s response. Environmental stakeholders maintain that government institutions should lead by example in complying with environmental regulations and promoting conservation efforts. Experts have repeatedly warned that unchecked urban deforestation contributes to rising temperatures, biodiversity loss, poor air quality, flooding and worsening climate conditions, particularly in rapidly expanding cities such as Kano. The concerns surrounding ARTV emerge amid ongoing government campaigns against environmental degradation and efforts to strengthen enforcement of forestry regulations across the state. ‘The Historica Nigeria’ reiterated that its investigation was conducted strictly in the public interest and remains committed to factual, balanced and responsible journalism. The newspaper also called on environmental experts, forestry professionals, regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders to independently assess the situation and determine whether the actions taken within the ARTV premises complied with existing environmental laws and best environmental practices.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Residents of Hotoro and neighbouring communities in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State have raised concerns over what they describe as large-scale felling of trees within the premises of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), amid allegations that some of the wood is being commercialised. The development comes at a time when the Kano State Government is intensifying efforts to combat deforestation, strengthen forestry regulations, and promote environmental sustainability across the state. Observations by The Historica Nigeria during separate visits to the television station revealed evidence of extensive tree cutting within sections of the facility, which for decades remained one of the greenest public environments within Kano metropolis. For many years, the station’s premises hosted a wide variety of indigenous and exotic tree species that contributed significantly to environmental conservation, climate moderation, biodiversity protection, and improved air quality for residents of surrounding communities. Read Also: Illegal mass felling of trees ongoing at Kano government-owned institution – Report Why Gobirawa’s Centuries-Old Agrarian Life is at Risk in Kano Intervention Brings Relief to Struggling Bauchi Nomadic School Residents, however, allege that a substantial number of these trees have recently been cut down and removed from the premises. Speaking with The Historica Nigeria, several residents expressed disappointment over what they described as the inability of the institution’s management to halt the ongoing destruction of trees. One resident, Malam Ibrahim Adamu, claimed that heavy-duty trucks and other vehicles had repeatedly been seen evacuating logs and large quantities of wood from the station. “We saw large trucks and vehicles transporting substantial quantities of wood from the premises of Abubakar Rimi Television,” he said. According to him, the disappearance of the trees is already contributing to rising temperatures around Hotoro and neighbouring communities. “The environment behind the ARTV quarters used to be cooler because of the dense concentration of trees. The situation has changed significantly,” he stated. Adamu disclosed that the station previously hosted numerous tree species, including mahogany, neem, delonix regia, acacia species, gum Arabic, marula tree, adansonia digitata, eucalyptus, mango, guava, and several other economic trees. He further lamented that many indigenous and traditional tree species that once flourished within the station’s premises have now disappeared. “Some of the trees that were cut down are species that can hardly be found today except in remote rural areas. They were part of the unique environmental heritage preserved within ARTV for decades,” he said. He added that beyond their environmental value, several of the trees served medicinal purposes and were widely recognised for their herbal benefits by local communities. “Many of these trees are used for traditional medicine. Apart from their medicinal importance, they also played a vital role in environmental protection by absorbing heat and helping to regulate temperatures during the dry season,” Adamu stated. He warned that the continued loss of mature trees could have long-term environmental consequences for the area. “We are calling on the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to urgently investigate the situation and take appropriate action,” he added. Some staff members of the station, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also expressed concern over the development. One source alleged that some of the felled trees were being sold for commercial purposes. “It is surprising to see trees that have stood within this premises for more than 25 to 35 years being cut down. Many of them are now gone and have become part of history,” the source said. Another staff member alleged that some trees were recently removed to create space for a football field despite the environmental value attached to preserving mature trees. Findings by The Historica Nigeria also revealed the existence of a small firewood market located close to the perimeter fence of the television station. However, claims that the market sources wood directly from the station could not be independently verified. The concerns emerge barely months after the Kano State Government introduced stricter measures against indiscriminate tree felling. In September 2025, the government announced a ban on illegal tree cutting and the unlicensed use of chainsaws as part of broader efforts to combat environmental degradation and mitigate the impact of climate change. The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, had warned that violators could face fines of up to N500,000, confiscation of equipment, and possible imprisonment. The state government also introduced the Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) aimed at regulating logging activities and strengthening compliance with reforestation policies. Similarly, in March 2026, the government commenced a review of the state’s forestry law, originally enacted in 1959, to strengthen environmental protection and align regulations with contemporary realities. Efforts by The Historica Nigeria to obtain comments from the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change were unsuccessful, as calls and WhatsApp messages sent to him were not responded to as of the time of filing this report. Attempts to obtain the reaction of the Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television were also unsuccessful. Sources at the station indicated that she was outside the country performing the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia at the time of this report. Environmental stakeholders maintain that government institutions should serve as models for environmental stewardship and compliance with forestry regulations. Experts have consistently warned that unchecked urban deforestation contributes to rising temperatures, poor air quality, flooding, biodiversity loss, and worsening climate conditions, particularly in rapidly expanding cities such as Kano. For many residents of Hotoro and surrounding communities, the issue extends beyond the loss of trees. They argue that it raises broader questions about environmental accountability, institutional compliance, and the enforcement of environmental laws within government-owned establishments. As Kano continues its campaign against environmental degradation, residents insist that the same environmental standards promoted by government must also be strictly enforced within public institutions and agencies across the state.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned that 178 communities across 28 local government areas of Kano State may experience moderate flooding during the 2026 rainy season. The warning was issued on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting and the launch of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign held in Kano. The campaign, themed “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria,” brought together government officials, emergency response agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters. Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, the agency’s North-West Zonal Director, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu-Kafindangi, said the forecast was based on assessments and predictions by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). Read Also: FG abolishes mandatory three-month pre-retirement leave for civil servants Associate Professor Amina Ganduje’s Quiet March into Nigeria’s Intellectual Elite Tinubu Commends Navy’s 70 Years of Service, Commissions Three New Vessels He explained that the identified communities require urgent preparedness measures to minimize the impact of potential flooding and protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure. According to him, the affected local government areas include Ajingi, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garun Malam, Gaya, Gwale, Kabo, Karaye, Kiru, Kunchi, Ghari, Kura, Madobi, Rano, Rimin Gado, Sumaila, Takai, Tofa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, and Warawa. Shehu-Kafindangi further disclosed that NEMA has introduced the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness and Mitigation Framework aimed at strengthening local emergency response mechanisms. He said the framework focuses on simulation exercises, early warning dissemination, pre-positioning of relief materials, and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure to enhance disaster preparedness nationwide. Speaking at the event, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad-Hashim, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building resilience against climate-related disasters. The governor stated that the administration had already commenced several flood mitigation measures, including the clearing of drainage channels, distribution of maintenance tools to community volunteer groups, removal of illegal structures obstructing waterways, and the launch of a campaign to plant 10 million trees across the state. He stressed the importance of ensuring that early warning messages reach communities at the grassroots level, noting that effective communication remains a critical component of disaster risk reduction. Governor Yusuf urged stakeholders to ensure that flood forecasts and climate-related information are translated into local languages to enable vulnerable communities to understand and respond appropriately. He added that addressing disaster risks requires collective action, coordination, and sustained collaboration among government agencies, development partners, community leaders, and residents. The governor reiterated the state’s determination to continue investing in environmental protection and climate adaptation measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Kano State.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano Despite ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government to combat deforestation and strengthen environmental protection laws, residents around Hotoro area of Tarauni Local Government Area have raised alarm over illegal mass felling of trees within the premises of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television. The development, observed by ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ during separate visits to the area, has generated growing concern among residents and environmental observers who fear the situation could undermine the state’s broader environmental protection campaign. For decades, the television station’s premises remained one of the greenest public environments within Kano metropolis, housing different varieties of indigenous and exotic trees that contributed significantly to environmental preservation, climate moderation and improved air quality around the surrounding communities. However, residents says that large numbers of those trees have recently been cut down and evacuated from the premises. Read Also: Associate Professor Amina Ganduje’s Quiet March into Nigeria’s Intellectual Elite Why Gobirawa’s Centuries-Old Agrarian Life is at Risk in Kano CITAD Distributes School Materials to Nomadic Pupils in Kano, Urges Increased Govt Intervention During interviews conducted by ‘The Historica Nigeria‘, some residents living close to the station expressed disappointment over what they described as the failure of the institution’s leadership to halt the illegal deforestation activities. One of the residents, Malam Ibrahim Adamu, claimed that they repeatedly witnessed heavy-duty trucks and vehicles transporting large quantities of wood felled from historic trees within the television station. “We saw big lorries and other vehicles specifically used to evacuate large chunks of wood from the premises of Abubakar Rimi Television,” he says. The resident linked the situation to the increasing heat currently being experienced around Hotoro and neighbouring communities, noting that the environment behind the ARTV quarters was previously more conducive due to the dense tree cover within the area. “We directly link the issue to negligence on the part of the management. To our knowledge, the Managing Director reportedly said she was not aware of the incident and claimed that her personal assistant was the one involved in the deforestation activities despite the existing state laws prohibiting such acts,” he stated. Malam Ibrahim Adamu further disclosed that the station previously housed different categories of trees, including large mahogany trees, neem trees, Delonix regia, acacia species, gum Arabic, eucalyptus trees and several economic trees such as mango and guava trees. According to him, the continued destruction of the trees is already negatively affecting the environmental condition of the entire area. “The deforestation that the management has failed to stop is seriously affecting the entire area. We are calling on the Kano State Government and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to urgently intervene and stop this negative development,” he lamented. The concerns emerge barely months after the Kano State Government introduced stricter measures against illegal tree felling across the state. In September 2025, the government announced a ban on indiscriminate tree cutting and the unlicensed use of chainsaws as part of broader efforts to combat environmental degradation and climate change. The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, had warned that violators risk fines of up to N500,000, confiscation of equipment and possible imprisonment. The state government also introduced the Chainsaw Usage Permit Framework (CUPF) aimed at regulating logging activities and strengthening reforestation compliance. Similarly, in March 2026, the government commenced a comprehensive review of the state’s forestry law originally enacted in 1959 to strengthen environmental protection and align Kano’s environmental regulations with modern realities. Efforts by ‘The Historica Nigeria‘ to obtain official reaction from the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, were unsuccessful as calls and voice messages sent through WhatsApp were not responded to as of the time of filing this report. Environmental stakeholders maintain that government institutions should serve as examples in preserving environmental standards rather than becoming centres of ecological destruction. Environmentalists believe the situation at the government-owned television station raises broader questions regarding environmental accountability, institutional compliance and enforcement of forestry regulations within public establishments. Experts have consistently warned that unchecked urban deforestation contributes to rising temperatures, flooding, poor air quality and worsening climate conditions, particularly in densely populated cities such as Kano. For many residents around Hotoro and neighbouring communities, the issue represents more than the loss of trees alone; it reflects growing concerns over environmental sustainability and the future ecological safety of the area if urgent intervention is not undertaken. As Kano continues its wider campaign against environmental degradation, many residents believe the same environmental standards and policies promoted by government must also be fully enforced within government-owned institutions and agencies across the state.

In a bold move to champion environmental sustainability and promote greener campuses, the Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), Kano State, Professor M. A. Wailare, has officially flagged off a Tree Planting Campaign within the institution. Speaking at the event, Professor Wailare underscored the importance of tree planting as a critical step in environmental preservation. “Tree planting is not just about beautifying our environment. It is a legacy of life, a shield against climate change, and an investment for future generations. As an agricultural institution, ABCOAD has a responsibility to lead by example in promoting sustainable practices,” he stated. Read Also: Kano Bans Illegal Chainsaw Use, Introduces Permit Framework The Provost further revealed that the college plans to plant many trees across strategic locations within the campus and surrounding communities, with the active participation of students. This initiative is also part of ABCOAD’s broader Green Campus Project, designed to instill environmental consciousness among young people and future agricultural leaders. He added: “I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to organising this tree planting day, especially the College’s Directorate of Renewable Energy and Climate Change under the indefatigable Director, Mallam Musa Garba; the Directorate of Linkages and Affiliation under the able Director, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim; the Department of Forestry under the able stewardship of the Head of Department, Malama Aisha Bala Iliyasu; and members of the College Management Committee for their efforts in making this event a great success. Mention must also be made of the Ministry of Environment and the Kano State Government under the able leadership of H.E. the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing their contribution to the success of this occasion.” At the ceremony, the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, highlighted the relevance of ABCOAD to farmers and the entire Kano State. He stressed the importance of the gathering as an avenue to reaffirm the significance of tree planting in sustaining community livelihoods and environmental stability. According to the Director of Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Mallam Musa Garba, the Tree Planting Campaign was a resounding success. “We sincerely thank the College Management under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Prof. Muhammad Abdu Wailare, for the invaluable support that made this remarkable event possible and successful,” he said. Garba also noted that the current administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, has introduced a new environmental policy with fines and penalties against indiscriminate tree felling. The flag-off ceremony, which took place at the college premises, was attended by top management staff, lecturers, students, community leaders, village heads, and representatives of environmental organizations. The campaign seeks to tackle the growing challenges of climate change, desertification, and deforestation, while also enhancing the ecological beauty of the institution. The event concluded with the symbolic planting of the first set of trees by the Provost, staff, students, and community representatives, signaling the beginning of a long-term environmental commitment. With this initiative, ABCOAD continues to demonstrate its role not only as a hub of agricultural education but also as a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate resilience in Nigeria.

The Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to dedicate at least one percent of their annual budgets to climate response projects. This was conveyed in a statement signed by the Director of Public Engagement at the Ministry of Environment, Maryam Abdulqadir, on Monday, September 1, 2025. Dr. Hashim made the call during the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) development session held in Kaduna State. The forum was organised by the Kano State Ministry of Budget and Planning to strengthen fiscal planning and ensure sustainable development across the state. Read Also: Kano Cracks Down on Unsafe Handling of Hospital Wastes The Commissioner explained that climate change poses a significant threat to human survival, economic development, and environmental sustainability, stressing the need for proactive measures. He noted that setting aside a climate reserve within government budgets would provide Kano State with the flexibility and resources to respond swiftly to emergencies such as flooding, drought, and other climate-induced shocks. The session, which marked the official commencement of preparations for the 2026 budget, was attended by members of the State Executive Council, legislators, directors of MDAs, and representatives of civil society organisations. Dr. Hashim reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration to building a climate-smart and resilient Kano. He added that the government is determined to embed environmental sustainability into its governance framework while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of citizens. He also urged stakeholders across all sectors to embrace climate-conscious practices, strengthen collaboration, and contribute actively to securing a sustainable and prosperous future for Kano State.

The month-end sanitation exercise held today across Kano State was rated satisfactory, with special commendation given to the Jakara-Kwanar Goda community for its outstanding participation. This was conveyed in a statement signed by Maryam Abdulqadir, Sit-in Director, Public Enlightenment, Ministry of Environment, after the exercise was monitored across the state. The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environmental Sanitation, Engr. Abdullahi Shehu Bichi, led the monitoring team across several locations, including Iyaka Road, State Road to Ahmadu Bello Way, Murtala Muhammad Way to Bata Junction, Igbo Road to France Road, Jakara-Kwanar Goda, Mandawari Abdullahi Wase Road, and Emir’s Palace Road to State Road. Read Also: Kano Cracks Down on Unsafe Handling of Hospital Wastes Among all the communities visited, Jakara-Kwanar Goda stood out by mobilising residents in large numbers, particularly in clearing drainages and ensuring a clean environment. Engr. Bichi expressed satisfaction with the overall conduct of the exercise, noting that only a few cases of movement restriction violations were recorded. Speaking to journalists, the Vice Chairman of Dubai Market, Tudun-Nufawa Ward, Lawan Abdulkadir Musa, said the community deliberately took advantage of the restriction period to mobilise residents in cleaning their surroundings for the benefit of both the community and the state. The monitoring team included members of the Sanitation Committees, security agencies, the Mobile Sanitation Court, journalists, and other stakeholders.