From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has commenced moves to domesticate the National Climate Change Act (2021) with the organisation of a two-day stakeholders’ retreat aimed at aligning state-level implementation with the federal climate framework.
The retreat, which held in Katsina, brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for the effective domestication and implementation of the Act in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, Prof. Muhammad Al’amin, described climate change as a major challenge threatening critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, livestock and public health in Katsina State.
Al’amin said the decision to domesticate the Act was part of a collaborative effort to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability in line with national climate policies.
“The aim of this workshop is to explore the necessary steps toward establishing legal frameworks and institutions, particularly a State Council on Climate Change, similar to what exists at the federal level, to oversee mitigation and adaptation efforts both environmentally and within communities,” he said.
He commended Governor Dikko Radda for prioritising climate action in the state, noting that several initiatives outlined in the Act had already been proactively introduced by the administration as early as 2024, even before formal domestication of the law.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment at the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Aminu Garba, expressed satisfaction with the quality of deliberations at the retreat, which featured experts, professionals and lawmakers.
Garba, who represents Danmusa Local Government Area, assured that the House of Assembly was fully prepared to support the process once the executive arm submits the draft bill for the state’s Climate Change Act.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to passing the law to complement Governor Radda’s agenda of safeguarding Katsina State against climate-related threats and promoting long-term sustainable development.
