Stakeholders in Kaduna State have called for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations (CSOs), the media, religious leaders, scientists, and government officials to effectively address climate change and enhance climate resilience across the state.
The call was made during the monthly Climate Hangout organised by African Climate Reporters at the Interfaith Mediation Centre in Kaduna.
The event, themed “Strengthening Local CSOs for Partnership with Local Government and Local Business for On-the-Ground Climate Resilience,” featured a panel of experts, including Yusuf Amoke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change; Rev. James Wuye; and social workers Immanuel Bonnet and Rashidat Abiola Niyi.
Participants emphasised that coordinated action and information sharing among key stakeholders are essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilient communities across Kaduna State
They highlighted activities such as tree planting, urging community leaders and associations to take ownership in complementing government efforts rather than relying solely on state intervention.
Describing the gathering as a powerful demonstration of the “one voice” approach, stakeholders affirmed that collaborative efforts are essential for driving meaningful climate action in Kaduna State.
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In his address, the State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted government initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, notably the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses within Kaduna city.
According to Maiyaki, “This initiative has lowered the number of high-emission vehicles on our roads, contributing to cleaner air compared to other commercial hubs.”
He also called on residents and organisations to take proactive, voluntary steps such as tree planting to reduce climate risks, rather than waiting for regulatory mandates.
Abdulraham Mohammed, an issue-based partnership specialist with the UK-FCDO Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), urged stronger collaboration across CSOs, government, academia, and businesses through a holistic framework.
He cautioned against isolated projects, advocating for the integration of mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies. Citing recent flash floods in Chikun Local Government Area and erratic rainfall affecting farmlands across the state, Mohammed described climate change as “an urgent threat requiring immediate collective action from individuals, communities, and businesses alike.”
Mayen Etim, a member of African Climate Reporters, shared the organisation’s accomplishments, including training over 100 Kaduna-based journalists to promote accurate, solutions-oriented climate reporting.
She noted that these efforts have fostered stronger networks among journalists, scientists, research institutes, and government entities, enhancing collaborative journalism and public environmental awareness.
The Climate Hangout was widely praised as a testament to the growing commitment among Kaduna’s stakeholders towards unified and effective climate resilience initiatives.