‘Kano’s N30 billion climate budget a step forward, but more needed’ – Dr. Kani

In response to the growing concerns of climate change, the Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC), in collaboration with the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation and UK International Development, organized a one-day workshop in Kano to discuss citizens’ engagement in green budgeting and financing. 

SolaceBase reports that the workshop, held on Thursday, focused on raising awareness about climate change policies and how Kano State can integrate climate-conscious initiatives into its budget. 

The lead convener and Executive Director of FIDAC, Dr. Abdusalam Muhammad Kani, explained the significance of the workshop, stating that it was designed to educate and engage citizens on the importance of environmental sustainability. 

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“Our major objective is to ensure citizens’ engagement, sensitization, and enlightenment on the consequences of climate change,” he said.

“Kano State currently has a climate change policy, and our role as advocates is to ensure that its implementation is taken seriously.” 

Dr. Kani also highlighted the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, revealing that the 2025 budget has allocated approximately 30 billion Naira for climate resilience projects. 

He added that, “We are working to ensure that capital projects in Kano reflect climate-resilient structures.

“Our goal is to see a greener Kano in the next two years through continuous monitoring, advocacy, and public awareness.” 

He emphasized the importance of public participation, stating, “Climate change is a reality, and unless we collectively work towards financing climate action, the consequences—such as desertification, flooding, and drought—will be severe.

“That’s why we will continue organizing similar workshops to educate and inform people about climate change mitigation strategies.” 

Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Umar Sani Anka, delivered a presentation on how the state plans to integrate green budgeting into its financial planning. 

“Kano has budgeted over 30 billion Naira to ensure climate change activities are incorporated into governance,” Anka stated.

He added that, “Greening our budget means reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting a healthier environment, and building a climate-resilient state.” 

Comparing Kano’s plans to Rwanda’s environmental policies, Anka expressed optimism about achieving similar success. 

“It is achievable because the state government is committed to making changes in transport and energy policies,” he explained.

“With political will and institutional support, Kano can make significant progress, although our population is much larger than Kigali’s.” 

Anka also called on citizens to take responsibility for environmental protection, emphasizing that government efforts alone would not be sufficient. 

“Change begins with us,” he said, adding  that, “No matter how much the government invests, if people do not change their attitude toward waste disposal, we will not achieve our goals.

“Climate action starts with individual responsibility, and that’s why citizens’ engagement is crucial.” 

The workshop concluded with a call for continuous advocacy and community involvement to ensure the effective implementation of climate policies in Kano State.