KADCCAM, T-in-T Join Forces to Combat Pollution and Floods in Kaduna

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and collaboration towards tackling the devastating effects of climate change, including pollution, waste burning, and flooding.

Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, KADCCAM Co-Chair in Kaduna, made the remarks during an advocacy and familiarization visit to the Transparency and Accountability in Totality Initiative (T-in-T).

He noted that air pollution from waste burning and recurrent flooding poses serious risks to human health, contributing to diseases such as cancer, cholera, and diarrhea.

“The visit aims to strengthen collaboration with T-&-T organizations to advance climate action and environmental protection,” Comrade. Yakubu said.

Highlighting the environmental impact of waste pollution, he explained that improper disposal degrades soil, reduces agricultural productivity, contaminates water sources, and endangers aquatic life.

Stressing that Open burning of waste releases harmful gases, worsening respiratory illnesses and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Blocked drainage systems also increase urban flooding risks.

“Waste pollution threatens ecosystems, public health, and climate stability,” he said.

Comrade. Yakubu stressed that collaboration with civil society, Academia media, Religious leaders would amplify climate action and commended T-in-T for its youth-led initiatives.

He also highlighted the role of women in promoting climate awareness and sustainable environmental practices.

In a keynote address, Mr. Haliru Ahmad, Lead Director of Transparency Center Africa, emphasized gender inclusiveness and the challenges faced by caregivers in vulnerable communities.

“Women caregivers in rural areas face increasing burdens due to climate impacts, including long treks for water, disrupted access to food and healthcare, and emotional stress from displacement caused by flooding or desertification,” he said. Experts noted that caregivers are critical to community resilience and must be included in climate adaptation strategies.

Also commenting Mr. Abel Yahaya, representing the Nigeria Association of Commerce, Industry, Minerals and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Youth wing,, stressed the vital role of youth in climate action.

“Young people bring innovation, energy, and creativity to environmental solutions and play a key role in raising awareness, promoting proper waste management, tree planting, and conservation practices,” he said.

Mr. Nyam Maikano Gura, Climate Change Desk Officer at the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment, detailed government efforts, including Operation Tsafta, monthly environmental sanitation exercises, and large-scale dredging and desilting of River Kaduna and major drainage channels ahead of the 2025 rainy season. Residents have also been urged to avoid dumping waste in waterways to prevent flooding.

Adding that kaduna State government is doing it’s best to protect All from of environmental pollution while encouraging innovative ideas for recycling

Mallam Haliru Ahmed Khalipha, Executive Director of T-in-T, expressed satisfaction with the visit by Kadccam, noting it would strengthen collaboration on climate advocacy and community engagement.

His organization has successfully promoted sustainable practices, including briquette charcoal production and efficient stoves to reduce firewood and charcoal usage in Kaduna and Taraba states.

He said Kadccam team were the first organization that visited them in their newly office along independence Way kaduna

During a two-hour dialogue, participants discussed strategies to combat desertification, deforestation, gully erosion, and other environmental degradation.

Plans were also made to engage communities reported for burning waste,(setting -trash- and- baggage on fire) aiming to reduce air-pollution and prevent annual flooding.

The session concluded with a call for collective action:

“Our environment faces severe challenges, from pollution and deforestation to climate change and habitat loss. Every small effort counts. By planting trees, reducing waste, conserving water, and embracing sustainable living, we can create a greener, cleaner, and safer world for generations to come.”