The Kano State Government has ordered an immediate suspension of tree-felling activities within the premises of the state-owned Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), following public outcry and growing concerns over the environmental impact of the exercise.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during an unscheduled inspection visit to the station on Saturday.
The development comes days after online news platform The Historica Nigeria published a report alleging large-scale tree felling within the station’s premises and highlighting concerns raised by residents of Hotoro and neighbouring communities over the environmental consequences of the activity.
The commissioner’s directive was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Information at the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs, Ameen Kabeer Yassar.
Speaking during the visit, Waiya described the indiscriminate cutting of trees as a violation of the Kano State Government’s environmental protection and climate change policies. He stressed that no tree should henceforth be removed from the station’s premises without obtaining official approval and consulting relevant government agencies.
The commissioner expressed concern over a viral video showing trees being felled at the station, warning that the depletion of natural resources could have far-reaching environmental consequences.
“I was disturbed by the viral video showing the indiscriminate felling of trees within the premises of ARTV. This action is contrary to the government’s policy on climate change and environmental sustainability. From now on, no tree should be cut within the station without obtaining the necessary approval and consulting the appropriate government agencies,” he stated.
Waiya emphasized that environmental preservation remains a key pillar of the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that activities capable of undermining climate resilience and ecological sustainability would not be tolerated.
Beyond environmental concerns, the commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the operational performance of ARTV, saying the station has struggled to meet viewers’ expectations due to outdated programming and poor-quality news production.
According to him, modern broadcasting requires real-time audience engagement, digital accessibility, and innovative content delivery, areas where the station has lagged behind its competitors across the country.
“Studies have revealed that the station has fallen short of viewers’ expectations because of stale content and poor-quality news production. Unlike many modern television stations that provide opportunities for real-time engagement and on-demand viewing, ARTV remains largely conservative and is unable to compete effectively with its counterparts across the country,” Waiya said.
He added that the situation falls short of the state’s vision for digital innovation, transparency, and institutional efficiency, urging the station’s management to ensure prudent utilization of budgetary allocations, particularly in staff development, technological upgrades, and institutional reforms.
The commissioner further disclosed plans to submit a special report to Governor Yusuf seeking government intervention to drive a comprehensive digital transformation of the station and reposition it for greater competitiveness within Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
Speaking during the visit, the Deputy Managing Director of ARTV, Idris Abba Musa, acknowledged the challenges confronting the station, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, inadequate staff training, and insufficient digital infrastructure.
Musa expressed optimism that the proposed government intervention would address the station’s operational difficulties and enhance service delivery.
The government’s action followed widespread public reactions to reports of tree felling at the station, with environmental advocates and residents calling for stronger measures to protect green spaces and promote sustainable environmental practices in Kano State.