HYPPADEC highlights climate resilience efforts, calls for collective action on environment

The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling environmental challenges through projects aimed at enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities across its member states.

The Managing Director of HYPPADEC, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, stated this in Kaduna on Friday during activities organised to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day.

Yelwa said the commission had continued to implement strategic interventions to address the growing impact of climate change, particularly in communities prone to flooding, erosion and environmental degradation.

He noted that environmental threats such as desertification, biodiversity loss, land degradation and extreme weather conditions were becoming more pronounced, requiring coordinated efforts from government agencies, development partners and local communities.

According to him, HYPPADEC has undertaken several projects, including the construction of flood and erosion control infrastructure, establishment of tree seedling nurseries and provision of solar-powered water facilities to improve environmental sustainability.

He explained that the projects were designed to strengthen the capacity of communities to withstand climate-related shocks while promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

The managing director disclosed that the commission desilted and cleared blocked drainage channels and culverts spanning over 348,000 linear metres in 2025 as part of measures to minimise flooding in high-risk areas.

He also announced the handover of a seedling nursery in Kaduna State to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to support afforestation, reforestation and ecosystem restoration programmes.

Yelwa said the commission’s environmental initiatives aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in promoting climate adaptation, food security, environmental protection and economic development.

He urged Nigerians to embrace environmentally friendly practices, including tree planting, proper waste disposal and the protection of forests and water bodies.

“Environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. We must all play our part in preserving our natural resources for future generations,” he said.

In his remarks, the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleiman Mohammed, stressed the importance of proactive measures in reducing disaster risks and managing environmental hazards.

Mohammed called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change and related disasters.

Also speaking, the District Head of Gabasawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Shittu, emphasised the role of traditional institutions in promoting environmental conservation and community participation in environmental protection programmes.

Similarly, the Co-Chairman of the Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM), Ibrahima Yakubu, advocated greater public involvement in efforts to combat climate change, deforestation and desertification.

Yakubu said sustainable environmental management would require collective commitment from government, civil society organisations and citizens to achieve lasting results.