Kaduna unveils 10-year climate change policy

The Kaduna government has unveiled a 10-year policy to tackle the impact of climate change in the state.

Uba Sani, governor of the state, unveiled the policy on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Climate Change Policy and Position Statement.

Sani said the policy aims to promote low carbon, climate resilience, gender responsiveness and sustainable socio-economic development of the state.

He said the initiative will also guide the state government’s decisions on public education, monitoring systems, and sustainable development programmes.

Sani added that the development will help prepare the state for future climate challenges.

The governor urged residents to support the effective implementation of the policy.

“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),” he said.

“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.”

Balarabe Abbas, the minister of environment, commended the state’s dedication to environmental sustainability.

Abbas emphasised the need to involve government agencies, private sector, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders in driving climate solutions.

The minister urged all stakeholders to embrace the new policy and set an agenda for other states in Nigeria.

“Together we can achieve our shared climate objectives and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” Abbas added.

Abubakar Buba, Kaduna commissioner for environment and natural resources, said the policy is part of the commitment made by the state during COP28 in Dubai.

Buba added that the policy will help refocus the state’s budget to issues around health, education, agriculture and persons living with disabilities.