Governor Radda unveils climate action blueprint at Katsina Green Investment Summit

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, Wednesday unveiled a blueprint for the state’s sustainable future at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit.

The strategic plan, tagged “Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA),” aims to harmonize economic progress with ecological preservation in the face of increasing climate challenges.

This was contained in a statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State.

In his opening address, Governor Radda emphasized the severe climate crisis facing Katsina State, where over 80% of citizens depend on rain-fed agriculture while battling desert encroachment, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures.

“The consequences of this climate crisis have resulted in diminished harvests, vanishing biodiversity, conflicts over scarce resources, and a generation of youth compelled to migrate in search of survival. Yet, within these challenges lies immense opportunity,” the Governor stated.

In addressing climate challenges, Governor Radda noted substantial investments in water security across Katsina State.

‘We understand that water security is climate security,’ the Governor stated, detailing the establishment of the Katsina State Irrigation Development Authority, provision of 4,000 solar water pumps and 204 tube wells, and construction of the ₦10.8 billion Jibia Retaining Wall and ₦11.2 billion Katsina Stormwater Drainage Project. The administration has further invested ₦2.4 billion in 120 solar-powered boreholes with 60 more under construction.

The Governor also outlined investments in agricultural sustainability and energy transformation, stating, “We’ve procured 38 tractors and 320 handheld tillers at nearly ₦3 billion and restored 1,115 hectares of degraded land.”

“Katsina State has secured a $500 million partnership with Genesis Energy Group while implementing solar mini-grid systems at Government House and the State General Hospital,” the Governor continued.

Additionally, over 5,000 youths and women have been trained in waste-to-wealth innovation and smart farming practices, creating what the Governor called ‘the green champions of tomorrow.'”

The cornerstone of the summit was the launch of KAGGA, which Governor Radda described as “a roadmap to harmonize economic progress with ecological preservation.”

The agenda, according to the Governor, rests on four key pillars, which include Climate-Smart Agriculture, Renewable Energy Leadership, Ecosystem Restoration, and Green Industrialization.

To support implementation, Governor Radda announced plans to enact Climate-Related Laws within 12 months and allocate 30% of the annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure.

He also revealed the establishment of a Green Investment Fund with an initial capitalization of ₦5 billion.

Governor Radda, however, extended a special invitation to private investors on the opportunities in solar energy, sustainable agriculture, and green industrialization.

“Through Climate Action Cooperatives, our administration will annually train 15,000 of our women and youth in green skills. The green economy could create over 50,000 jobs in Katsina by 2030, and we are determined that our young people will be prepared to fill them,” the Governor concluded.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Hamza Suleiman Faskari explained that the summit aims to spotlight Katsina’s climate vulnerabilities while showcasing its untapped potential for green growth. He also added that the event will forge partnerships that will transform climate risks into engines for sustainable development.

Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended Katsina State Government for launching the Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), convene stakeholders to mobilize capital and chart a subnational climate pathway and the establishment of State Climate Change Council Secretariat.

Minister Lawal said the decision aligns with the Nigeria Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the ministry broader objectives of the Climate Change Act of 2021.

The Minister further urged Katsina State Government to take advantage of Federal Government inititatives like the Great Green Wall Programme (GGW) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, which aimed at combating desertification, climate resilience among others.

In his separate remarks, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa disclosed that the Ministry is actively advancing policy and implementation frameworks to support climate-resilient urban development.

The Minister noted that the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Initiative is “integrating sustainable planning principles into the development of new urban areas, prioritizing reduced carbon footprints, enhanced climate resilience, and resource efficiency.”

He proudly shared that “under the Renewed Hope Slum Upgrade and Urban Renewal Programme, funded through the N50 billion 2023 Supplementary Budget, over 100 special urban projects have been completed with several of them in Katsina State, including some in Katsina, Kankia, Sandamu, Dutsinma.”

On her part, Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister for Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, explained that the Ministry has the potential to be a powerful force in addressing some of our most pressing environmental issues.

Musawa identified several ways the creative economy can transform climate challenges into opportunities for Katsina State, including “Raising Awareness through Art and Media, Developing Sustainable Fashion and Textiles, Renewable Energy Solutions for the Creative Sector and Eco-Tourism and Cultural Heritage.”

In furtherance to this, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, commended Governor Radda for his foresight in organizing the summit.

“Our ministry stands ready to support Katsina’s efforts. In line with President Tinubu’s vision, we are committed to helping states attract the financing and partnerships needed to implement transformative climate solutions,” Senator Bagudu stated.

Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Sada Soli, praised Katsina’s strategic approach to climate challenges.

“From renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to eco-tourism and green technology, Katsina State is identifying and leveraging its unique geographical and environmental strengths. This is exactly the kind of leadership we need—one that recognizes disadvantages not as an end, but as a doorway to transformation,” the Speaker noted through his representative.

Hon. Soli, speaking on behalf of the 15 Members of Representatives and three senators from Katsina, affirmed full support for the state’s green vision.

More so, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, also offered a goodwill message: “I commend Governor Radda for his leadership in aligning climate action with gender equality, a vision that reflects our mission to empower women as key agents of change in the green economy.”

In addition, Mohamed M. Malick Fall, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria and the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, praised Governor Radda’s action on climate change, describing it as a vision that aligned with the global community.

The event, attended by key stakeholders, investors and business moguls, also featured presentation of prizes to the top three winners of the Sallah Climate Change Competition.