From Kamilu Lawal, Katsina.
The Katsina State Government under the State Climate Change Secretariat has organized a preparatory retreat for the Domestication of the National Climate Change Act (2021) with the aim of aligning state-level implementation with the federal climate change law.
The two day retreat which held in Katsina was intended to bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss strategies for effective implementation of the Act at the state level.
Speaking during the retreat, the Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Climate Change, Professor Muhammad Al’amin described climate change as a major challenge affecting critical sectors such as agriculture, water, livestock, and public health.
He noted that the effort to domesticate the Act in Katsina State is part of a collaborative framework to tackle pressing environmental issues and promote sustainability in line with the federal government’s initiatives.
“The aim of this workshop is to explore necessary steps toward establishing legal frameworks and institutions, particularly a State Council on Climate Change, just as It has existed at the federal level, to oversee mitigation and adaptation efforts both environmentally and within communities,” Al’amin stated.
He commended Governor Malam Dikko Radda for prioritizing climate action in the state even before formal implementation of the Act. He added that many of the components that the law would introduce have already been proactively initiated by the Governor as far back as early 2024.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment at the Katsina State House of Assembly and member representing Danmusa LGA, Hon. Aminu Garba, expressed satisfaction with the quality of discussions at the retreat, which brought together experts, professionals, and some lawmakers.
He assured that the legislative arm is fully prepared to support the process of enacting the state’s version of the Climate Change Act once the executive submits the draft.
Aminu Garba reaffirmed the House’s commitment to passing the law in complementing the effort of Governor Dikko Radda’s agenda to safeguard the state from all climate-related threats and promote long-term sustainable development across Katsina and Nigeria at large.
