Kano State has recorded one of the most significant improvements in Nigeria’s climate governance history, rising from 35th position in 2024 to 4th position in the 2025 Subnational Climate Governance Performance Rating and Ranking, unveiled in Abuja.
The annual ranking, an initiative of the Department of Climate Change (DCC), the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), the UK–FCDO’s PACE Programme and other partners, evaluates the climate governance performance of all 36 states using five thematic pillars.
The index aims to spur healthy competition, inspire peer learning and accelerate subnational climate action nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, the State Government described the leap as “a deliberate, strategic and people-centred achievement, not an accident or cosmetic improvement.”
According to Hashim, the 2024 ranking provided a clear baseline that motivated the state to undertake bold governance reforms.
“The 2024 results made it unambiguously clear where we stood and what gaps needed urgent attention. We embraced the ranking not as a judgement, but as a guide and an opportunity,” he said.
Hashim credited the transformation to the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who placed climate governance at the centre of the state’s development priorities.
Climate Governance Reforms and Key Interventions
Kano’s rapid improvement was driven by a series of strategic interventions, including:
- Implementation of Kano State Climate Change Policy
The state strengthened institutional frameworks, expanded renewable energy adoption, and mainstreamed climate action across ministries and LGAs. - Urban Greening and Afforestation Efforts
Through the Kano State Afforestation Project (KNAP), 5.5 million seedlings were distributed across all 44 LGAs in 2025 alone. Experts estimate that this planting effort could sequester tens of thousands of tonnes of CO₂ annually, while curbing dust storms and restoring degraded lands. - Northwest Climate Resilience Declaration
Kano championed a seven-point regional climate compact for the Northwest, marking a shift from rhetoric to coordinated climate delivery. - Water Security Under ACReSAL
Ten (10) solar-powered boreholes with mini-dams, irrigation channels and safe-water zones were completed, improving water access for thousands of households and farmers. - Erosion-Control Infrastructure
The state awarded an ₦8.5 billion contract for the Bulbula–Gayawa gully erosion control project, protecting communities, infrastructure and economic corridors serving over 200,000 residents. - Renewable Energy in Transport and Public Infrastructure
Deployment of solar-powered wireless traffic lights (₦3.4bn) and the upgrade of the Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy facilities (₦1.46bn) strengthened low-carbon infrastructure. - Climate-Resilient Schools & Healthcare Centres
A partnership with UNICEF and the UK Government delivered 55 solar-fitted, flood-resistant schools and primary healthcare centres across the state. - Strengthened Waste Management
REMASAB received 10 refuse trucks and two payloaders as the state launched a new waste-handling initiative along major transport corridors. - Digital Climate Governance
Kano launched an online climate action and green investment platform offering real-time air and water quality data, hazard reporting and civic engagement tools.
Impact Reflected in 2025 Scores
Kano scored significantly higher across all criteria — climate institutions, policy frameworks, budgeting, project implementation and online engagement — rising from 45 points in 2024 to 280 points in 2025.
Hashim said the improvement reflects “real reforms touching every community, sector and LGA,” adding that citizens were already experiencing the benefits through improved water access, reduced environmental hazards, higher crop yields, safer urban infrastructure and cleaner surroundings.
Commitment to Sustained Progress
While celebrating the achievement, the Commissioner emphasised that Kano views the ranking as a roadmap for continuous progress.
“Climate leadership is a journey, not a destination. We will continue to strengthen governance, deepen implementation and broaden the impact of our interventions,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of local governments, community organisations, civil society groups and development partners — particularly the UK-FCDO PACE Programme — in supporting the state’s climate transition.
“It is not yet uhuru,” Hashim said.
“But this milestone strengthens our resolve to do even more for the people of Kano State.”
