Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has taken a bold step toward sustainable development by engaging with officials of Guardians Worldwide (GWW), a global environmental consultancy, to explore carbon credit opportunities for the state under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA).
The high-level engagement, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday marked Governor Radda’s first official assignment following his recent minor accident a testament to his unwavering dedication to duty and the future of Katsina State.
The meeting was part of broader efforts to position Katsina as a leading force in green innovation, climate action, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
Delegates from Guardians Worldwide’s Brazil and Nigeria offices were in attendance, including Ms. Débora Lira de Lacerda and Ms. Lucimar Prata dos Santos from Brazil, and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu from Nigeria. The delegation was led by Mr. Kamilu Hassan Hamza, Director of Guardians Worldwide Africa.
Welcoming the team, Governor Radda described carbon trading as a “new frontier” in climate finance that Katsina must embrace. “This initiative speaks directly to our state’s long-term ambition to build a resilient economy anchored on sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration,” he said.
He further noted that under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), the state had already begun laying the groundwork for attracting green finance. He emphasized that such partnerships could open up new revenue opportunities, safeguard the environment, and empower local communities.
The initiative is being driven by the Office of the Special Adviser on Banking and Finance, Hajiya Bilkisu Sulaiman Ibrahim, in partnership with the Department of Banking and Finance and other relevant MDAs. The goal is to integrate Katsina into the global carbon market through verifiable carbon credit projects.
Guardians Worldwide which operates across the UK, Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Kenya, Canada, and Nigeria expressed strong interest in supporting Katsina in establishing a clear roadmap for carbon credit registration, measurement, verification, and trading in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global best practices.
Governor Radda expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating: “This is not just about planting trees or cutting emissions. It is about building an economy where nature is valued, where innovation thrives, and where our people benefit from a greener future.”
Both parties agreed to set up a technical team to immediately begin baseline assessment work and design a carbon credit registry framework that aligns with Katsina’s unique ecosystem.
This partnership marks yet another milestone in Governor Radda forward thinking leadership and his strong commitment to climate smart development and global cooperation.
Also present at the meeting were the Special Adviser on Climate Change, Professor Al-Amin; Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr. Faisal Umar Kaita; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; and the Governor’s Lead Consultant, Haroun Abba.
