The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF has stressed the need for Nigeria’s climate plans to include specific policies that address children’s vulnerabilities.
UNICEF Kano field office WASH Program Officer, Mrs Stella Terver, disclosed a stakeholders’ engagement in reviewing and finalizing the Kano State Climate Change Policy and Implementation Plan.
In February 2024, the Kano state watershed erosion and climate change management agency WECCMA initiated the development of the climate change policy which involves close engagements with various stakeholders.
She emphasized the organization’s mission to ensure children’s survival, growth, and realization of their rights by collaborating with the Kano State Government to address the impact of climate change on children and promote their well-being.
She reiterated UNICEF’s dedication to advocating for children and its ongoing support for the Kano State Government in various interventions.
The commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Nasiru Garo, and the Executive Secretary of KN-WECCMA, Dr. Muhammad Khalil, also reiterated their commitment to building a climate-resilient Kano and promoting sustainable development.
They noted that, the stakeholders’ engagement aimed to generate inputs from various sectors of society that will be impacted by climate change, including ministries, departments, agencies, academia, NGOs, and women’s groups.
“The occasion marked a critical step in confronting the existential threat posed by climate change and pursuing sustainable development and climate resilience in Kano State and the broader region”
The chairman house committee on environment Kano State House of Assembly Musa Ali Kachako expressed satisfaction with the stakeholder’s engagement and policy making.
“The occasion is to address the issues bothering people for long not only in Kano or Nigeria but worldwide.
“Environment plays a vital role in people’s health, what they will eat and this problem of climate change, if addressed will assist our people not only farmers but the whole society,”
Radio Nigeria reports that, the 3 day stakeholders engagement was organized by WECCMA in collaboration with UNICEF and partnership for Agile governance and climate engagement PACE