Northern Pulse: KDSG unveils climate change accountability mechanism

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The Kaduna State Government has officially launched its first Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM).

This is part of efforts to strengthen environmental governance and accelerate action against climate change and environmental degradation in the state.

The launch and swearing-in of the newly elected KADCCAM executives took place on Tuesday in Kaduna at the Ministry of Environment, brought together government officials, civil society actors, media professionals, academia, and other stakeholders.

The mechanism was designed to promote multi-stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and accountability on critical environmental issues.

The critical environmental issues include desertification, deforestation, global warming, flooding, gully erosion, and other climate-related challenges affecting communities and ecosystems across Kaduna State.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the state’s environmental sustainability agenda.

He said many of the environmental problems confronting the state were largely the result of human activities and stressed the need for collective action to reverse the trend.

“The challenges we face today are mostly man-made, and addressing them requires the cooperation of government, civil society, the media, and the general public,” Buba said.

The commissioner, who also serves as the government Co-chair of KADCCAM, urged the newly inaugurated executives to demonstrate commitment, professionalism, and teamwork in carrying out their responsibilities.

He reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with partners whose initiatives align with improving environmental outcomes and the quality of life of citizens.

He further said that the Ministry of Environment remained open to partnerships aimed at making Kaduna one of the cleanest and most environmentally sustainable states in the country.

Buba commended the composition of the KADCCAM leadership, highlighting the inclusion of media and environmental communication experts.

He expressed confidence that the leadership’s background in Science and Environmental Journalism, including experience with German International Radio and Television and African Climate Reporters (ACR), would enhance public awareness through effective information dissemination across both traditional and digital platforms.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Linda Yakubu, described the establishment of KADCCAM as a timely intervention that would help educate citizens on climate change mitigation and environmental protection.

She urged the newly elected executives to operate within the 2025–2026 Action Plan Framework, emphasizing accountability, coordination, and measurable impact.

On behalf of the civil society Co-chair of KADCCAM, Ibrahima Yakubu, thanked the Kaduna State Government for the opportunity to serve, describing the inauguration as a confidence boost for civil society engagement in climate governance.

He said the mechanism would strengthen collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, non-governmental organisations, and other relevant institutions in addressing climate and environmental challenges in the state.

Yakubu assured the state government of the team’s commitment to implementing the action plan and delivering results during their three-month tenure, noting that the period would allow different sectors within the mechanism to demonstrate responsibility and impact.

He also commended Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change (PACE) for its technical and institutional support, acknowledging the Kaduna PACE Project Office for its role in facilitating the successful launch of KADCCAM.(NAN)