Bauchi Moves to Tackle Climate Threats as Government Unveils Climate Assembly

By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel

As part of efforts to de-escalate bush burning and other environmentally hazardous practices, the Bauchi State Ministry of Housing and Environment has inaugurated a body known as the Climate Assembly to champion climate action across the state.

The initiative was unveiled during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement held on Thursday at the ministry’s conference hall.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Honourable Danladi Ahmed Kawule, said the move underscores the state government’s commitment to inclusive and participatory climate governance.

“The Proposed Bauchi State Climate Assembly is a testament to our dedication to fostering participatory governance in climate policy,” Kawule said.

“We envision an assembly that empowers our citizens, integrates diverse perspectives into decision making and builds long-term resilience against climate vulnerability,” he added.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hamisu Mohammed, explained that the assembly would ensure that climate policies in Bauchi State are not only robust but also reflective of the needs and aspirations of all residents.

Kawule noted that indiscriminate bush burning significantly contributes to climate change, land degradation, biodiversity loss, reduced soil fertility, and poses serious health risks to citizens.

He further stressed that climate change negatively affects land use, food security, environmental sustainability, and livelihoods, adding that tackling the challenge requires collective action, strong policy enforcement, sustained public awareness, and the adoption of sustainable land management practices.

Earlier, the Director of Climate Change at the ministry, Nasiru Umar, disclosed that the initiative draws inspiration from Plateau State, which has already established a Climate Assembly.

He said stakeholders would be given the freedom to generate ideas and solutions aimed at addressing climate concerns, while the ministry would monitor activities to ensure alignment with Bauchi State’s unique climate challenges and policy objectives.

Umar also frowned at the persistent practice of indiscriminate bush burning, noting that enlightenment campaigns were already ongoing in line with the provisions of the existing climate policy.

Albarka Radio gathered that members of the newly established Climate Assembly are expected to engage the media soon to outline their operational framework and articulate expectations from the public.