The Kano State Government has ordered an immediate halt to the cutting of trees within the premises of the state-owned television station, CTV 67, following widespread public outrage triggered by a viral video showing workers felling mature trees at the facility.
According to The PUNCH, the controversial footage sparked criticism from environmental advocates, residents and social media users who questioned why trees were being removed at a time when climate change, desertification and environmental degradation continue to threaten communities across northern Nigeria. (“punchng.com” (https://punchng.com/kano-stops-tree-cutting-at-state-tv-station-after-viral-video/))
Responding to the backlash, the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, reportedly visited the television station and ordered an immediate suspension of the exercise pending further review.
As quoted by The PUNCH, Hashim said: “We have stopped the cutting of the trees and directed that no further action should be taken until a proper assessment is conducted.” He stressed that environmental protection remains a priority for the state government and that any action affecting public green spaces must comply with established regulations. (“punchng.com” (https://punchng.com/kano-stops-tree-cutting-at-state-tv-station-after-viral-video/))
The controversy comes amid growing concerns over deforestation in Kano and other northern states. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that the loss of trees contributes to rising temperatures, soil erosion, desert encroachment and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters.
Residents who reacted to the viral video argued that public institutions should be leading efforts to preserve green spaces rather than removing trees without adequate public explanation. Some environmental campaigners also called for greater transparency regarding the reasons behind the tree-cutting exercise and any future plans for the affected area.
The incident has reignited broader conversations about environmental governance and climate resilience in northern Nigeria, where decades of deforestation and environmental degradation have contributed to worsening ecological challenges.
While the government’s intervention has been welcomed by many residents, environmental advocates insist that stronger measures are needed to protect urban green spaces and ensure that public agencies adhere to environmental sustainability standards.
