The Kaduna State Government has unveiled its 10- year climate change policy to tackle the impact of climate change.
Gov. Uba Sani unveiled the policy at the inauguration of the state’s Climate Change Policy and Position Statement on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Kaduna, the state capital.
According to him, the policy goal is to promote low carbon, climate resilient, gender responsive and sustainable socio-economic development in the state.
He said the policy would also guide the government’s decisions on public education, monitoring systems, sustainable development initiatives as well as prepare the state for future climate challenges.
“The 2024 Climate Change Policy is the first in northern Nigeria which will address the increased extreme weather events and aligns with the National Climate Change Policy (2021-2030).
“Developed with input from various stakeholders and supported by organisations like ACReSAL and Lafiya Projects.
“This policy aims to reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience, and integrate climate considerations into state planning,” he said.
Sani called on all the citizens to support the policy for its effective implementation for a climate resilient state.
Earlier in his remark, Balarabe Abbas, Minister of Environment, commended the state’s dedication to environmental sustainability.
He emphasised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society organisations, to drive sustainable solutions.
Abbas urged all the stakeholders to embrace and support the new policy and set an agenda for other states in Nigeria and beyond.
“Together we can achieve our shared climate objectives and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Abubakar Buba, the state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, revealed that the policy was part of the commitment made by the state at COP 28.
He said that the policy stood as a guide for the ministry’s budget in streamlining its focus towards issues of health, education, agriculture and Persons Living with Disabilities.
In the same vein, Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator ACReSAL, commended the state for the policy, saying it would go a long way in mitigating the effects of climate change in the state.
By Ezra Musa
