Kaduna State has made significant strides in climate governance, ranking third in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating. This ranking, led by the Society for Planet and Prosperity and the Department of Climate Change, highlights how local actions can significantly impact global climate challenges.
In 2024, Kaduna ranked 16th nationally, but through focused efforts, it climbed up 13 places to become a leader in climate governance. This wasn’t just luck; it was a result of purposeful strategies aimed at improvement.
We started by using the ranking as a blueprint for reform. Our efforts included strengthening institutional arrangements for climate policy, enhancing legal frameworks, increasing budgets, and improving public communication. This structured approach paid off—Kaduna scored well on various fronts, including a top score for climate institutional arrangements.
A landmark moment was the introduction of Kaduna’s 10-year Climate Change Policy in August 2024. This policy is significant for its commitment to gender and youth-responsive, low-carbon development. According to Governor Uba Sani, the aim is to integrate climate considerations into all planning stages to tackle emissions and boost resilience.
Crucially, we understand that having policies is just the beginning. Real change happens through effective implementation. To ensure this, we created the Kaduna Climate Change Accountability Mechanism. This system allows citizens to engage actively, ensuring that local areas can monitor and evaluate climate initiatives effectively.
Kaduna’s role as a major agricultural state has led us to champion climate-smart farming practices. In partnership with the Federal Government and the African Development Bank, we aim to modernize agricultural practices and enhance productivity. This effort not only improves farmers’ incomes but also fosters job creation among the youth.
On the local level, we’ve paired governance reforms with financial support. In March 2025, we allocated $25,000 to communities for climate-smart agriculture, coupled with training for women and youth. This support empowers communities, helps restore ecosystems, and boosts incomes in vulnerable areas.
To tackle risks from erratic rainfall, we launched the Dry Season Agricultural Empowerment Programme in February 2025, distributing 10,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps, especially to women and vulnerable groups. This intervention enhances production during dry seasons and improves livelihoods.
Flooding is a significant challenge, especially along the River Kaduna. In response, we initiated a robust drainage improvement and river dredging program designed to mitigate flood risks. These proactive measures are protecting homes and sustaining economic activities in at-risk communities.
Furthermore, we’ve shifted local development funding to prioritize community-driven projects. As we look to the 2026 fiscal year, we are preparing to introduce a funding model that allocates ₦100 million to each of the state’s 255 wards for climate-related projects.
Environmental restoration is also high on our agenda. Our Greening Kaduna Initiative aims to plant 10 million trees over four years, with over two million already planted. These efforts are vital for improving air quality and combating heat stress.
Overall, these initiatives reflect how strong climate governance can lead to tangible benefits: greater productivity, new green jobs, reduced flood risks, and enhanced community resilience.
However, we recognize that challenges remain, such as funding shortfalls and the evolving nature of climate impacts. Despite these hurdles, we are optimistic that our governance model will attract investment and foster partnerships.
The 2025 ranking is more than just a score; it is a learning tool that facilitates accountability and helps us align our strategies to local needs. As we continue to refine our systems, we are guided by data and motivated by the pressing realities of climate change.
Kaduna’s rise to third place is just the beginning. It showcases that with the right mix of political will, community engagement, and systematic reform, meaningful progress in climate governance can be achieved.
By Abubakar Buba, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Kaduna State
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