Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled the Katsina State Climate Change Policy and launched the Governor Dikko Radda Climate Legacy Publication, strengthening his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, renewable energy and climate-resilient development.
The Governor announced this at the 2nd Climate Action and Green Investment Summit 2026, held in Abuja on Wednesday, themed, “Consolidating Katsina’s Climate Leadership: Unveiling the Katsina State Climate Change Policy and Launch of the Governor Dikko Radda Climate Legacy Publication.”
Radda described climate change as a major development challenge affecting agriculture, water resources, public health, infrastructure and livelihoods, stressing that environmental protection must remain central to the state’s development priorities.
“Protecting the environment is inseparable from protecting lives and livelihoods, strengthening our economy and securing the future of our children,” he said.
The Governor explained that rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, desertification, land degradation and flooding required coordinated policies, effective institutions, sustainable financing and active community participation.
He noted that climate action must deliver practical benefits, including improved agricultural productivity, cleaner energy, restored landscapes and stronger community resilience.
On climate governance, Radda said Katsina’s reported score of 3.0 in the 2026 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking reflected progress in environmental governance. He, however, stressed that such recognition must translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives.
The Governor identified the Katsina One Tree Initiative as a flagship programme aimed at promoting environmental responsibility among residents, schools, institutions, businesses and communities.
“Our ambition is to mobilise the approximately 11 million residents of Katsina State towards planting and nurturing at least one tree each by 2030,” he said.
Radda disclosed that the initiative had an initial target of planting two million trees before the end of 2026, stressing that sustained care and monitoring were essential to ensure their survival.
“This is not simply a tree-planting campaign; it is an effort to build a culture of environmental responsibility across our state,” he observed.
On renewable energy, the Governor disclosed that more than 30 megawatts of renewable energy capacity had been deployed towards the state’s long-term target of 70 megawatts by 2031.
He also highlighted the administration’s solar street-lighting intervention, reportedly covering approximately 85 kilometres at an investment of over ₦7.6 billion.
Radda explained that investments in renewable energy would improve electricity access for schools, healthcare facilities, agriculture, commerce and industry while creating opportunities for green businesses and employment.
He said the state would continue to explore investments in solar power, mini-grids, sustainable agriculture, waste management, energy-efficient infrastructure and other climate-friendly sectors.
Radda described the unveiling of the Katsina State Climate Change Policy as a major milestone in coordinating the state’s response to environmental challenges.
He explained that the policy would guide the integration of climate priorities into development planning and budgeting, strengthen institutional collaboration, mobilise climate finance and establish mechanisms for measuring progress.
“The launch of this policy marks an important step forward, but our real responsibility begins with its effective implementation,” he said.
The Governor called on ministries, departments, agencies and local governments to incorporate climate priorities into their programmes, establish clear responsibilities and strengthen monitoring to ensure that investments deliver measurable environmental and social benefits.
The Governor also highlighted the 2026 Governor Radda Green Prize for Students, describing it as an initiative to promote environmental awareness and encourage young people to develop practical solutions to climate challenges.
Congratulating the award recipients, he commended their creativity and acknowledged the contributions of their teachers, schools and families.
“Our young people will inherit the environmental decisions we make, the institutions we build and the natural resources we protect—or fail to protect,” he said.
Radda also indicated his willingness to provide additional support through his foundation following an appeal by the representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He urged students to contribute to environmental protection through practical ideas, tree planting and greater awareness of climate challenges.
The Governor called for stronger cooperation among the Federal Government, development partners, financial institutions, research organisations, civil society and the private sector to expand climate action in Katsina State.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting development efforts and welcomed partnerships in renewable energy, landscape restoration, climate-smart agriculture, water security, waste management and green infrastructure.
Radda stressed that successful climate investments required transparency, reliable data, sound project preparation and measurable environmental and social outcomes.
He urged investors and development partners to work with the state in mobilising resources for sustainable projects that create economic opportunities and strengthen community resilience.
The Governor commended the Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor Alamin Mohammed, relevant ministries and agencies, technical experts and development partners for advancing the state’s climate agenda.
He stressed that the Climate Change Policy, Climate Legacy Publication, Green Prize for Students, tree-planting initiative and renewable energy programmes must work together to deliver lasting results.
“Our true climate legacy will be measured not only by the policies we launch, the awards we present or the publications we unveil, but by the lasting improvements we make to the lives of our people and the environment we preserve for future generations,” Radda said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser on Climate Change to the Governor, Professor Alamin Mohammed, said the summit demonstrated the state government’s commitment to inclusive climate action, environmental sustainability and youth participation.
He explained that the Governor Radda Green Prize Competition was designed to encourage students to understand climate challenges and develop practical ideas for environmental protection.
Professor Mohammed said the Governor had approved cash prizes and certificates for outstanding participants, commending students, parents and school authorities for supporting environmental education.
He also highlighted investments in Modern Demonstration Secondary Schools, aimed at expanding access to quality education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds through modern learning facilities and comprehensive support.
He commended the Governor for integrating education and climate awareness into the state’s development agenda.
Also speaking, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Climate Change, commended the Katsina State Government for prioritising climate governance.
He called for stronger collaboration among federal and state governments, development partners, investors and communities to address desertification, land degradation and other climate-related challenges.
The Chairman stressed the need for effective legislation, adequate financing, accountability and practical implementation of climate policies, noting that investments in renewable energy, afforestation and climate-smart agriculture could strengthen resilience and support economic development.
He expressed optimism that the summit would generate actionable recommendations and attract investment in sustainable environmental initiatives.
Similarly, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, commended Governor Radda’s administration for promoting environmental sustainability, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture and environmental restoration.
She acknowledged the Katsina One Tree Initiative, which targets the planting and nurturing of 11 million trees by 2030, describing climate action as both an environmental necessity and an opportunity for economic development.
“Climate change is not merely an environmental concern; it has become an economic, social and developmental challenge that demands a comprehensive and deliberate response,” she said.
The Minister noted that Katsina could harness its cultural heritage, tourism assets and creative enterprises to promote green economic growth, generate employment and expand opportunities for young people, women and local communities.
She urged stakeholders to translate discussions into viable projects and measurable outcomes through stronger partnerships.
In his remarks, Ashraf Usman, representing the United Nations, commended the Katsina State Government for advancing climate action and sustainable development.
He emphasised collaboration among governments, development partners, the private sector and communities to address climate risks and protect vulnerable populations.
Usman highlighted opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, tree planting, environmental restoration and green enterprises, noting that these interventions could improve livelihoods and strengthen environmental resilience.
He welcomed the new Climate Change Policy and Climate Legacy Publication, expressing optimism that they would support better planning, stronger partnerships and practical climate interventions.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff to the Governor described the summit as an important platform for strengthening climate governance and mobilising investment for sustainable development.
He identified irregular rainfall, desertification, flooding and pressure on water resources as challenges requiring coordinated action across government institutions and communities.
He explained that the Climate Change Policy would guide the integration of climate considerations into development planning, while the Climate Legacy Publication would preserve institutional knowledge and lessons for future administrations.
Those in attendance included the representative of the Honourable Minister of Environment, represented by the Director-General of the Great Green Wall Agency; Omotenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change; Hajiya Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; Ibrahim Shelleng; Comrade Yusuff Kelani, Special Adviser to the President on Climate Change Matters, and Senior Special Assistant to President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement.
Others included representatives of the United Nations; Sa’ad Suleiman Ribadu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Climate Change; a representative of the Managing Director of UBA Plc; representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); members of the Katsina State Executive Council; development partners; financial institutions; environmental experts; participating students; and other stakeholders.
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