By Abbas Nazil
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled the Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), a comprehensive climate action blueprint, at the inaugural Katsina Climate Action and Green Investment Summit.
The plan aims to balance economic development with ecological sustainability in the face of intensifying climate change.
Highlighting the urgency of climate action, Governor Radda described the environmental crises affecting over 80 percent of Katsina’s rain-fed agricultural population, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, desert encroachment, and declining biodiversity.
He emphasized that these challenges have triggered food insecurity, resource-based conflicts, and youth migration. However, he expressed optimism about turning these crises into opportunities for green development.
The governor announced the establishment of a Green Investment Fund with a starting capitalization of ₦5 billion to drive the implementation of KAGGA.
The strategy rests on four major pillars: Climate-Smart Agriculture, Renewable Energy Leadership, Ecosystem Restoration, and Green Industrialization.
He revealed ambitious investments in water and energy security, including the provision of 4,000 solar pumps, 204 tube wells, the ₦10.8 billion Jibia Retaining Wall, and the ₦11.2 billion Katsina Stormwater Drainage Project.
Additionally, ₦2.4 billion has been invested in 120 solar-powered boreholes, with 60 more under construction.
Further investments include nearly ₦3 billion for agricultural equipment and land restoration initiatives. A $500 million partnership with Genesis Energy Group is also underway, along with the installation of solar mini-grids at key public institutions.
Governor Radda highlighted the training of over 5,000 women and youth in smart farming and waste-to-wealth practices and announced plans to train 15,000 annually under Climate Action Cooperatives.
The green economy, he stated, could create over 50,000 jobs in the state by 2030.
In support of the initiative, the Governor promised to allocate 30% of the state’s annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure and introduce new climate-related laws within the next 12 months.
He invited private investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green industries.
The summit drew praise from national and international figures. Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal commended the state’s alignment with national climate goals and encouraged tapping into federal initiatives like the Great Green Wall and ACReSAL.
Other ministers, including those for Housing, Urban Development, and the Creative Economy, emphasized policy support for sustainable cities and environmental advocacy through arts and culture.
Legislators and foreign dignitaries, including UN officials and ambassadors, also lauded the governor’s foresight, describing the plan as a visionary step aligned with global sustainability goals.