Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has made history as the first Nigerian leader to deliver a keynote address at ChangeNOW 2026 in Paris, where he highlighted Katsina State’s progress in renewable energy and climate action.
Speaking at the summit held at the Grand Palais, Radda called for a shift in global climate efforts from commitments to measurable results, stressing that real progress must be defined by tangible outcomes.
Drawing from the experience of Katsina State, the governor outlined how subnational governments can translate climate policies into practical interventions, particularly in regions facing environmental challenges such as desertification, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity.
Radda highlighted several initiatives being implemented in the state, including the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
He also pointed to efforts to expand decentralised clean energy access in rural communities, alongside the introduction of electric tricycles and hybrid buses as part of a transition to cleaner urban transportation.
In addition, the state is promoting clean cooking solutions aimed at reducing dependence on firewood, improving public health, and addressing environmental degradation.
According to the governor, these interventions have helped attract over $50 million in green investments and improved Katsina’s standing in national climate governance rankings.
Radda outlined ambitious targets for 2030, including achieving 50 per cent renewable energy adoption in urban centres, 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 economic growth.
“The defining factor in climate action going forward will not be the scale of ambition, but the strength of systems and consistency in delivering results,” he said.
As part of engagements at the summit, the Katsina State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with LDN Advisory to develop nature-based solutions projects anchored on land degradation neutrality.
The governor was accompanied by the First Lady, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, and his Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmed, who led technical discussions with international stakeholders on climate finance and renewable energy development.
The summit attracted more than 40,000 participants from over 140 countries, including investors, policymakers, and development partners.
Observers say Katsina’s participation signals its growing profile as a key subnational player in climate governance and renewable energy development, with a focus on combining environmental sustainability with economic growth.
