By Abbas Nazil
The Katsina State Government has formally transferred the Kogo Forest Reserve in Faskari Local Government Area to the Federal Government, marking a major step toward strengthening environmental protection and sustainable forest management in Nigeria.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the transfer after signing a Memorandum of Understanding at the Government House in Katsina, following the 18th National Council on the Environment meeting.
The handover was completed after a courtesy visit by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who attended the two-day national meeting hosted by the state.
Radda said the decision reflects a shared commitment between Katsina State and the Federal Government to safeguard forest resources and address the growing threat of deforestation.
He explained that the transfer would allow for stronger federal oversight and coordinated action against illegal activities threatening forest reserves.
The governor also highlighted Katsina’s broader development and environmental initiatives, showcased during the council meeting.
According to him, the event gave participants the opportunity to see firsthand the state’s resilience, hospitality and ongoing progress beyond negative perceptions often portrayed in the media.
Radda disclosed that Katsina is implementing an ambitious renewable energy programme aimed at generating 25 megawatts of solar power by next year.
He added that an additional 10 megawatts of solar capacity is already in the pipeline as part of the state’s clean energy transition.
The governor also revealed that a windmill project has been handed over, with efforts ongoing to make it fully operational.
He said Katsina is implementing Nigeria’s first hybrid wind and solar power project in Lambar Rimi within the Green Economy Zone.
The hybrid project is expected to generate 12 megawatts of electricity when completed.
Radda noted that 12 key government institutions responsible for about 92 percent of public energy consumption have been identified for transition to renewable energy.
He said the Katsina State Government House now runs on a one-megawatt solar system, while the General Hospital and State Secretariat are fully powered by solar energy.
On environmental security, the governor warned that deforestation poses serious national and regional risks.
He linked commercial charcoal production to organised criminal networks exploiting largely ungoverned forest areas.
Radda claimed that between 70 and 80 percent of Nigeria’s forests remain ungoverned, creating both environmental and security challenges.
He also highlighted the impact of the ACReSAL programme in Jibia and Kaita, which helped prevent flooding in the state last year.
The governor disclosed that Katsina has secured approval for a one-megawatt hydroelectric power project at Danja Dam in partnership with the French Treasury.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, praised Katsina for improving its national environmental performance ranking from third to second position.
He said strong environmental management directly improves public health and can prevent most common diseases through proper sanitation and water management.
The minister attributed flooding to climate change, human activities and negligence, adding that the Federal Government is promoting floodwater harvesting and better plastic waste management.
