Kano govt. unveils climate change policy to tackle environmental challenges
The Kano State Government has unveiled its Climate Change Policy, marking a major milestone in its commitment to addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
The policy was unveiled on Tuesday in Kano by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouk, who described the launch as a “veritable investment for future generations” and a bold step towards positioning Kano as a leader in climate governance.
“In our resolve to reposition Kano as a progressive sub-national actor, we have developed and signed into law a comprehensive climate policy framework for coordinated action,” the governor stated.
Signed into law on January 29, 2025, the Kano State Climate Change Policy outlines priority areas such as clean energy transition, sustainable transport, land use planning, climate finance, and building community resilience. It is supported by a Climate Change Action Plan aimed at translating political commitments into measurable outcomes.
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SolaceBase reports that Governor Yusuf disclosed that implementation is already underway, citing initiatives that include the solarization of streetlights and public buildings to cut energy costs and improve safety.
He said the administration has also launched an urban beautification campaign with tree planting along major roads such as Lodge Road, State Road, and Muhammadu Buhari Way.
‘’A key component of the policy is the ambitious campaign to plant five million trees across the state in 2025, designed to combat desertification, improve air quality, and support biodiversity, ‘’the governor said.
“As a people-focused administration, we believe climate action must be inclusive,” the governor said. “That’s why we’re prioritizing public awareness, youth engagement, and school-based environmental education.”
The event also marked the inauguration of the State Climate Change Steering Committee, its Secretariat, and Technical Working Groups, which will oversee implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the policy.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, described the moment as both “symbolic and historic,” emphasizing the administration’s sense of urgency.
“This launch represents a bold and clear declaration of our collective resolve to confront the climate crisis head-on,” he said.
Hashim noted that the policy provides a strategic framework for climate mitigation and adaptation across key sectors such as agriculture, health, transport, and energy. He added that the policy reflects inclusive design, incorporating expert input, youth perspectives, community voices, and gender-sensitive approaches.
To reinforce the policy’s legal foundation, the government also unveiled two new legal instruments: The Kano State Environmental Pollution Control Law and The Kano State Environmental Pollution and Waste Control Regulations 2025.
Published in both English and Hausa, these laws aim to ensure accessibility and compliance, equipping the state with legal tools to tackle pollution, manage waste, and protect public health.
“These laws send a strong message: environmental impunity will no longer be tolerated in Kano,” said the commissioner.
He expressed gratitude to development partners—particularly the British High Commission and PES—as well as technical experts and other stakeholders who supported the policy’s drafting and validation.
In his keynote address, William Robinson, Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission, hailed the policy as a transformative move for sustainable development and environmental justice.
“This policy is not just a document — it is a declaration of intent, a roadmap for action, and a symbol of leadership,” Robinson stated. “It shows deep awareness that climate change is not a distant threat but an urgent reality—especially for Kano.”
He acknowledged the climate-related challenges Kano faces, such as drought and urban flooding, but emphasized the state’s potential to lead climate action in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
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Robinson underscored the importance of collaborative governance, calling for partnerships across ministries, civil society, and international actors. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Kano in: Strengthening climate governance, Unlocking access to climate finance, and Promoting initiatives like the Waste-to-Wealth Programme, which he praised as “an inspiring example of how environmental action can drive economic opportunity.”
“Policies like this one can catalyze investment, empower communities, and drive green economic growth—if implemented effectively and supported through partnerships,” he said.
Robinson concluded with a call to collective action:
“Climate change knows no borders. The choices we make today will shape the world our children will inherit. Let us work together—across governments, sectors, and continents—to protect our planet and uplift our people.”
The event drew attendance from key dignitaries, including: the 16th Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by Wamban Kano, Alhaji Kabiru Tijjani Hashim; Representatives of the British Council; The High Lady of Climate Change, Dr. T.G. and Traditional rulers, special advisers to the governor, and other top government officials.
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