The Kano State Government has pledged to judiciously utilize funds allocated for the remediation of areas impacted by ecological degradation. This commitment was made by the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Nasiru Sule Garo, during an interview at the Nigerian Pavilion at the ongoing COP29 Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Garo emphasized that the state will collaborate closely with the House of Representatives to ensure that the objectives of the Ecological Fund are fully realized, particularly in addressing critical issues like erosion. Originally established to focus on erosion control, the fund was redistributed to all states. Now, the government is working to refocus the fund’s use on areas, like Kano, that are most in need of ecological remediation.
“We are working with the House of Representatives to ensure that the Ecological Fund is used for its intended purpose, especially for erosion control in the states that need it the most,” Garo said.
In addition to the Ecological Fund, the Kano government is partnering with the AcRESAL Project to address environmental challenges and is also collaborating with the Great Green Wall (GGW) project to combat desertification and encroachment.
Kano’s Climate Action and Financing Plans
The Commissioner also highlighted Kano’s ongoing efforts to develop its own climate change policy. With the draft nearly completed, the state is preparing to implement a comprehensive plan to attract climate financing.
“Having a climate change policy is critical for securing funding. We are nearly finished with the draft and are working with various organizations to bring this plan to life and access the climate funding needed,” Garo explained.
Another major environmental concern for Kano is waste management, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to methane production. Garo stressed the government’s commitment to finding sustainable waste management solutions through strategic partnerships. “Waste management is a priority for us, and we are keen to find solutions to reduce emissions from waste,” he said.
Previously, Kano entered into a partnership with Cape-Gate for waste management, but the project was not successful. The current administration has since implemented an ad hoc solution to tackle waste management challenges in the state.
Addressing Land Degradation and Environmental Challenges
Land degradation is another pressing issue for Kano. The state has formed a partnership with federal agencies to secure resources for addressing the widespread degradation of land in the region.
“We are working with the federal government to obtain resources to manage land degradation, which is a significant problem in Kano,” Garo noted.
Legislative Support for Climate Action in Kano
Dr. Musa Ali Kachako, Chairman of the Environment Committee in the Kano State House of Assembly, affirmed the legislature’s strong support for the state’s climate change initiatives. He stressed the importance of developing relevant policies and legal frameworks to address climate challenges.
“As lawmakers, we are dedicated to partnering with the government to ensure that effective policies are put in place to tackle climate change and other environmental issues,” Kachako said.
The ongoing COP29 Summit has provided the Kano delegation with an opportunity to engage with the Global Legislative Forum for Climate Change, fostering international collaboration to support the state’s environmental goals.
Kano’s Commitment to Climate Action
Umar Saleh Anka, Director of Environment and Climate Change at the Kano Watershed Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (KN-WECCMA), commended the state for its active participation in COP29. “The state’s involvement in COP29 demonstrates the governor’s commitment to addressing climate change and other critical environmental issues,” Anka said.
Kano State continues to prioritize environmental sustainability through strategic partnerships, climate policy development, and the judicious use of allocated funds for ecological remediation. The state’s efforts at COP29 are part of a broader commitment to tackling climate change and promoting ecological resilience.
