Kano Moves Up in Climate Governance List
Kano State has recorded a major breakthrough in environmental governance, leaping from 35th position in 2024 to 4th place in Nigeria’s 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking.
The impressive rise follows a series of climate-focused reforms introduced by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, including executive directives on climate resilience, waste management, and renewable energy.
Announcing the development in a statement on Tuesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, described the achievement as “a testament to the visionary leadership and clear environmental direction of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
According to him, the ranking reflects the administration’s commitment to making environmental sustainability and climate resilience central to Kano’s development agenda.
Representing the governor at the unveiling ceremony in Abuja, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, said the recognition underscores the government’s practical commitment to sustainable growth.
“This milestone proves that Kano is taking concrete action to tackle the global climate challenge. We are not just talking about climate resilience — we are investing in it, institutionalising it, and leading by example,” Hashim stated.
Under the current administration, Kano has implemented several climate-related initiatives, including:
The adoption of a State Climate Change Policy
Deployment of renewable energy systems in public institutions
Urban greening and beautification under the Urban Renewal Programme
Large-scale afforestation and erosion control projects
At the event, the First Secretary for Climate Diplomacy at the British High Commission, Samantha Harrison, presented a certificate of recognition to the Kano State Government in acknowledgment of its progress in climate governance.
Reacting to the recognition, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deepen ongoing reforms.
“We have made bold decisions in the past year to protect our environment, empower our people, and secure a greener future.
This success belongs to the people of Kano, whose cooperation and resilience continue to inspire our environmental vision,” he said.
Yusuf also commended the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Department of Climate Change for their collaboration in strengthening subnational climate governance.
He further appreciated the Society for Planet and Prosperity and the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, for initiating and managing the ranking in partnership with the UK-FCDO.
