Radda speaks at global climate summit in Paris, showcases Katsina’s green reforms

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has delivered a keynote address at ChangeNOW 2026 in Paris, where he outlined the state’s renewable energy drive and climate transformation efforts.

Speaking at the summit held at the Grand Palais, the governor called for a shift in global climate action from commitments to measurable results, stressing that real progress should be judged by tangible outcomes.

Drawing from Katsina’s experience, Mr Radda said subnational governments can play a crucial role in translating climate policies into practical solutions that directly impact communities.

He highlighted the growing impact of climate change in Northern Nigeria, citing desertification, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity as major challenges affecting livelihoods and economic stability.

According to him, these realities have pushed Katsina State to adopt a proactive strategy that places renewable energy and climate resilience at the centre of its development agenda.

The governor pointed to several initiatives already underway, including the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems aimed at boosting agricultural output, improving food security, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

He also noted efforts to expand decentralised clean energy access in rural and underserved communities, as well as the introduction of electric tricycles and hybrid buses to promote cleaner urban transport.

In addition, Mr Radda highlighted clean cooking programmes designed to reduce dependence on firewood, improve public health, and curb environmental degradation.

The governor said these coordinated interventions have attracted more than $50 million in green investments into the state and contributed to Katsina’s rise from 25th to 2nd position in national climate governance rankings.

Looking ahead, he outlined the state’s 2030 targets, which include achieving 50 per cent renewable energy adoption in urban areas, expanding clean energy access to 70 per cent of the population, increasing forest cover by 25 per cent, and lifting 500,000 people out of poverty through climate-driven growth.

“The defining factor in climate action going forward will not be the scale of ambition, but the strength of systems and the consistency with which results are delivered,” Radda said.

As part of his engagements in Paris, the governor was accompanied by the First Lady of Katsina State, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, and his Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed.

During the visit, the Katsina State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LDN Advisory to develop nature-based solutions projects aligned with Land Degradation Neutrality principles.

Officials said the partnership is expected to unlock climate finance, strengthen biodiversity conservation, and support the development of bankable environmental projects with long-term socio-economic benefits.

The summit, which attracted over 40,000 participants from more than 140 countries, brought together investors, policymakers, and innovators to advance scalable climate solutions.

Radda’s participation underscores Katsina State’s growing role in renewable energy deployment and climate governance, positioning it as a leading subnational actor in sustainable development.