By Abdullahi Lukman
Gombe State has been highlighted as a leading example of climate resilience and sustainable environmental management in Nigeria as the world marks World Environment Day 2026 with the theme, “Climate Action.”
The Overseeing Director of Information in the state, Richard James, said Gombe has made significant progress in addressing climate-related challenges through environmental protection and adaptation initiatives implemented by the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate the global event, James noted that climate change remains one of the greatest threats to humanity, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, desertification, flooding and land degradation affecting livelihoods and economic development worldwide.
He said the effects are particularly severe in Gombe due to its location within Nigeria’s semi-arid region, where environmental issues such as desert encroachment, soil erosion, declining vegetation cover and climate variability have long impacted agriculture, water resources and rural communities.
According to James, the Yahaya administration has responded with proactive policies aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability and climate adaptation.
He described the governor, popularly known as the “Green Governor,” as a leader who embraced climate action before it became the focus of this year’s World Environment Day.
Among the administration’s key initiatives is the Gombe Goes Green Initiative, also known as the 3G Project, launched in 2019. James said the programme has resulted in the planting of more than five million trees across the state, helping to curb desertification, restore vegetation and reduce the effects of climate change.
He added that the initiative has expanded beyond tree planting to include environmental education, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, job creation and community participation.
Traditional rulers, youth and women groups, schools, civil society organisations, local governments and development partners have all been mobilised to support the programme.
James also acknowledged the contribution of a
special environmental task force led by the Mai Tula, Alhaji Abubakar Buba Atare II, in promoting public awareness on climate change and sustainable environmental practices.
Citing findings published in the Nigerian Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, he said the initiative has contributed to poverty reduction, improved food security, better public health outcomes and stronger environmental infrastructure in participating communities.
The information director further disclosed that Gombe has intensified efforts to address erosion and land degradation through interventions under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL).
He said more than 1,000 hectares of degraded land have been restored, while three major erosion sites spanning nearly 50 kilometres have been stabilised or are currently undergoing intervention.
The affected sites include the Gombe State University Gully Erosion Site, the Federal College of Education Gully Erosion Site and the Government Girls’ Mega College, Doma Gully Erosion Project.
According to James, the projects have protected critical infrastructure, homes, farmlands, roads, schools and other public facilities from environmental damage.
On waste management, he revealed that a former dumpsite has been converted into a waste-to-wealth facility through the ACReSAL Project, creating employment opportunities through recycling and resource recovery while reducing environmental pollution.
He also disclosed that the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA), in partnership with ACReSAL, established 203 waste collection centres across Gombe metropolis to improve sanitation and waste disposal.
James said the state government is equally promoting energy-efficient cookstoves to reduce dependence on firewood, lower carbon emissions and ease pressure on forest resources.
While commending the progress achieved, he stressed that government efforts alone would not be enough to combat climate change, urging residents to participate actively through tree planting, proper waste disposal, water conservation and energy-saving practices.
He also called for the domestication and
implementation of Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy at the state level to strengthen climate risk management and support sustainable development.
Describing Gombe as a model of collaboration among government, traditional institutions, development partners, civil society groups and citizens, James said climate action is essential for economic growth, social well-being and the protection of future generations.
He urged residents to mark World Environment Day by taking practical steps to protect the environment and contribute to building a greener, healthier and more resilient Gombe State.
