The Kano State Government has deployed 100 newly recruited forest guards to boost its fight against deforestation, desertification, and the impact of climate change.
Speaking during the distribution of appointment letters on Monday, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, said the move was “a historic step” toward protecting the environment.
“For a long time, we have been complaining about issues of deforestation, desertification, and other climate-related disasters. One of the major problems we identified is the lack of manpower to protect our conservation areas. Today, with the Governor’s support, 100 forest guards have been recruited and will commence work immediately,” Dr. Hashim said.
He explained that the approval came from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who has made environmental protection a priority of his administration.
According to the commissioner, the new guards will focus on safeguarding forest reserves from illegal logging and other harmful practices. He added that the state will provide them with training, equipment, and regular payment to ensure they work effectively.
A hotline has also been created in the ministry to allow the guards to report cases of deforestation quickly. They will also collaborate with traditional leaders and local communities to enforce environmental rules peacefully.
Dr. Hashim further explained that the guards were chosen from their local areas and will work within their own communities.
“We avoided transferring people outside their communities. Each officer will work within his local government, and we believe this will strengthen their commitment to protecting their immediate environment,” he said.
He assured that more training sessions will be organized to give the officers modern skills in forest conservation.
