Oluwafunbi Bello 
KANO, Nigeria — Kano State records a dramatic rise from 35th to fourth position in Nigeria’s Climate Governance Ranking within one year, signalling a major turnaround in environmental leadership and institutional reform.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, discloses this on Wednesday during an event marking his first anniversary in office, describing the improvement as the result of focused leadership, system restoration and sustained collaboration with development partners.
“In 2024, Kano ranked 35th out of 36 states. It was a troubling data point,” Hashim says. “I did not know then that I would soon have the opportunity to help change that story.”
He explains that the latest ranking demonstrates how coordinated governance and functional institutions can deliver measurable results when properly supported. “This progress is not the achievement of one individual or one office. It is the result of institutions being allowed to function and people committing to their responsibilities,” he says.
Hashim notes that the state now aims to consolidate the gains while targeting the top position in the next assessment cycle.
He attributes the turnaround to the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who repositioned environmental governance as central to public welfare, safety and sustainable development.
Over the past year, the ministry prioritises inter-agency coordination and practical interventions in sanitation, flood control, erosion management, water access, afforestation and climate policy development.
Hashim commends ministry staff and agencies for their commitment and acknowledges the support of development partners, including the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement Project, UNICEF and others.
He adds that community engagement remains critical, with feedback from urban and rural residents shaping planning and implementation.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim