Kano State Government says it is restoring indigenous tree species facing extinction due to their economic, medicinal and environmental benefits.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir Hashim, disclosed this during a news conference on Monday in Kano.
Hashim said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
He said some indigenous trees had declined over the years due to human activities, climate change and other environmental challenges.
The commissioner explained that the restoration programme would help revive valuable tree species with significant economic and medicinal importance.
On flooding, Hashim noted that the state has not recorded significant deaths or major property losses from flooding since 2023.
The commissioner added that the achievement was due to the commitment of the state government and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
He said the ministry had intensified flood mitigation measures through desilting of drainage channels, distribution of working equipment to self-help groups and public sensitisation campaigns.
“NiMet and other relevant agencies identified Kano as one of the states at risk of flooding, but through our collective efforts, we have been able to manage the situation effectively,” he said.
The commissioner said the state government had engaged traditional institutions, the Council of Ulama, non-governmental organisations, self-help groups and the media to sensitise residents on flood prevention.
He listed major drainages attended to including those from Baban Gwari to Kofar Nassarawa, Kwarin Gugau, Tarauni and Jakara.
Hashim, however, appealed to residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways and constructing structures on drainage channels.
He said the ministry would continue to take action against environmental offences, urging residents to report blocked drainage channels and illegal structures.
The commissioner also disclosed that the ministry recently carried out joint inspections of Tiga and Challawa dams with the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority to ensure proper monitoring and early warning systems.
According to him, the move was aimed at preventing possible threats to communities around the dams.
He said the state government was also working towards developing a drainage master plan to provide a lasting solution to flooding challenges.
On afforestation, Hashim said the administration had raised 10 million tree seedlings this year as part of efforts to improve environmental sustainability.
He said the government produced one million seedlings in 2023, three million in 2024 and five million in 2025 through rehabilitated state-owned nurseries and collaboration with private nursery owners.
“We have made these seedlings available to individuals, organisations and government agencies interested in tree planting across Kano State,” he said.(NAN)
