Ashiru Sani

𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟑𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 I am deeply proud to share that Kano State has recorded one of the most remarkable transformations in Nigeria’s climate governance history — moving from 35th position in the previous year’s Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking to 4th position in the 2025 edition. This milestone reflects the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose commitment to sustainability has placed climate action at the center of our state’s development agenda. Through deliberate reforms, strengthened institutions, and community-driven programs, we have built a governance system that responds to both the global urgency of climate change and the local realities of our people. In the past year, we have expanded climate-smart infrastructure and deepened environmental governance through the implementation of the Kano State Climate Change Policy, renewable energy deployment across public institutions, the greening of our urban spaces under the Urban Renewal Project, and the continuation of large-scale afforestation and erosion control efforts across the state. These initiatives have laid the foundation for resilience, cleaner energy transition, and inclusive growth. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated teams, local governments, community leaders, civil society, and partners who have worked with us to strengthen climate action in Kano. I express our sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and the Department of Climate Change for their steadfast leadership in advancing subnational climate governance. I also commend the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) and the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, for spearheading this national ranking initiative that continues to inspire healthy competition, collaboration, and accountability across all states. Our gratitude equally goes to the UK-FCDO Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) Project and other development partners for their continued technical and institutional support to Kano’s environmental transformation journey. This achievement belongs to the Government and people of Kano State. Together, we will continue to strengthen our resolve to build a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient future for our state and for Nigeria. Dr. Dahir M. Hashim Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Kano State.