Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Kaduna State Government has commenced a collaborative process to strengthen its environmental policy framework, aimed at safeguarding natural heritage and improving the livelihoods of citizens across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Abubakar Buba, disclosed this during a two-day stakeholder engagement focused on reviewing the Kaduna State Policy on Environment 2019, supported by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING).
Represented by the Director of Environment, Mr. Ibrahim Zakari, the commissioner said, the review is designed to ensure the policy reflects current realities and aligns with both national priorities and global environmental standards.
Buba described the engagement as a platform to raise awareness and drive action on pressing environmental issues such as pollution, overpopulation, global warming, unsustainable consumption, and wildlife crime.
He emphasized that human activities and industrial operations continue to degrade air and water quality, posing significant risks to public health and ecosystems.
“As we stand in 2026, our state faces evolving ecological challenges, from rapid urbanization and waste management pressures to the urgent need for climate resilience,”
“This engagement is not merely procedural but a critical step toward building a more responsive and inclusive environmental policy.” he said.
He added that the state government is prioritizing the integration of climate action into all levels of planning, while also strengthening strategies for water conservation and land restoration.
The revised policy, he said, will ensure that the perspectives of local communities, youth, and vulnerable groups are adequately represented.
The commissioner further stressed the importance of individual responsibility in environmental protection, noting that small, consistent actions can collectively lead to significant impact.
“Every little effort counts. If everyone contributes, these small actions will grow into meaningful change for the betterment of Kaduna State,” said Buba.
Buba urged stakeholders to actively participate in the review process, emphasizing that effective policy development depends on inclusive dialogue and shared expertise.
He also expressed appreciation to the SPRING Project and its partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), for their continued support in promoting environmental sustainability initiatives in the state.
In an interview, the representative of SPRING Program Mr. Barau Emmanuel pointed out that, the programme is targeted at supporting Kaduna state in developing policies that promote resilience and enhance community engagement for sustainability.
The collaborative engagement that featured presentations and practical groups discussion brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the legislature, civil society organizations, the media, private sector and academia
Daniel Karlmax
