Foreign news.
Kano State Government has pledged to ensure judicious use of funds allocated for the remediation of ecologically impacted areas in the state.
This commitment was made by the State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, during an interview with journalists at the Nigerian Pavilion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Garo emphasized that the state would work closely with the House of Representatives to ensure the Ecological Funds are directed toward their intended purpose, specifically to combat erosion.
He noted that the fund, originally meant to address erosion challenges, had been diverted for broader use by state governments.
However, the Kano government is now collaborating with the federal legislature to refocus the fund on states most in need, according to him.
The commissioner said that beyond the Ecological Fund, the state is also partnering with the AcRESAL Project and the Great Green Wall initiative to combat desertification and environmental degradation.
Garo noted that the Kano delegation is in Baku to foster global partnerships aimed at improving the state’s environmental conditions.
The commissioner also provided an update on the state’s progress on climate change policies, revealing that Kano is close to finalizing its climate change policy draft, which will serve as a basis for securing climate financing.
He stressed that having a clear policy is crucial for attracting international climate funds.
Waste management, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is another priority for the administration, he said .
Garo highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to address waste management challenges, despite setbacks with previous waste management partnerships , adding that the administration is now focused on establishing a more effective system.
Land degradation, a major issue in Kano, is also being tackled through collaboration with federal agencies to secure resources for remediation efforts, he further revealed.
Contributing,Hon. Dr. Musa Ali Kachako, Chairman, Environment Committee in the Kano State House of Assembly, reiterated the legislature’s full support for environmental and climate change initiatives.
He noted that their participation in COP29 provided an opportunity to engage with the Global Legislative Forum for Climate Change, strengthening the state’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’s proactive involvement in COP29.
He underscoring the administration’s dedication to addressing climate and environmental challenges.
“It shows our governor’s commitment to addressing climate challenges and other environmental issues,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
