Yobe state Ministry of Environment Damaturu

Yobe Records Major Gains Against Desertification Through ACReSAL, Other Interventions — Environment Commissioner


The Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, says the state has recorded major successes in its fight against desertification and environmental degradation through the implementation of the ACReSAL Project and other strategic interventions.

The Commissioner disclosed this during an interview granted to Mr. John Adama, an Impact Study Consultant undertaking a national assessment of ACReSAL implementation across beneficiary states.

Karasuwa described desert encroachment as one of the most serious environmental challenges confronting Yobe State, noting that the phenomenon has continued to threaten livelihoods, displace communities and degrade productive land.

He explained that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to curb the menace through the establishment of shelter belts, tree planting and land restoration programmes.

According to him, no fewer than 70 shelter belts (windbreaks) have been successfully established across different parts of the state, alongside extensive plantation activities aimed at halting the advancing desert and rehabilitating degraded landscapes.

“To date, we have recovered at least 184 hectares of land through these interventions,” Karasuwa said.

The Commissioner stressed that the impact of the programme extends beyond environmental protection, as reclaimed land is enabling affected communities to return to their homes, resume farming and restore their means of livelihood.

“This is not just about trees; it is about people. Reclaimed land means communities can return, farm and resume their normal activities. There is visible happiness and a renewed sense of hope among our people,” he added.

While commending the progress recorded so far, Karasuwa called for sustained and increased support from the ACReSAL project and other partners to enable t

Yobe Records Major Gains Against Desertification Through ACReSAL, Other Interventions — Environment Commissioner


The Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, says the state has recorded major successes in its fight against desertification and environmental degradation through the implementation of the ACReSAL Project and other strategic interventions.

The Commissioner disclosed this during an interview granted to Mr. John Adama, an Impact Study Consultant undertaking a national assessment of ACReSAL implementation across beneficiary states.

Karasuwa described desert encroachment as one of the most serious environmental challenges confronting Yobe State, noting that the phenomenon has continued to threaten livelihoods, displace communities and degrade productive land.

He explained that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to curb the menace through the establishment of shelter belts, tree planting and land restoration programmes.

According to him, no fewer than 70 shelter belts (windbreaks) have been successfully established across different parts of the state, alongside extensive plantation activities aimed at halting the advancing desert and rehabilitating degraded landscapes.

“To date, we have recovered at least 184 hectares of land through these interventions,” Karasuwa said.

The Commissioner stressed that the impact of the programme extends beyond environmental protection, as reclaimed land is enabling affected communities to return to their homes, resume farming and restore their means of livelihood.

“This is not just about trees; it is about people. Reclaimed land means communities can return, farm and resume their normal activities. There is visible happiness and a renewed sense of hope among our people,” he added.

While commending the progress recorded so far, Karasuwa called for sustained and increased support from the ACReSAL project and other partners to enable t

Tackling Deforestation: Yobe, FG Distribute 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves


The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves produced with local technology to vulnerable citizens across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The initiative, officially launched at the Yobe State Ministry of Environment along Gujba Road, Damaturu, is aimed at reducing deforestation, mitigating climate change, and improving access to safer and more efficient household cooking solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, described climate change—largely driven by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—as a major global challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

He explained that the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, which supports the distribution of clean and efficient cooking stoves, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Commissioner noted that the Yobe State Government is complementing this national effort through the Ministry’s Alternative Energy Programme.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, previously procured and distributed 1,000 units of 6kg gas cylinders, 500 Jiko-Koa stoves, 500 Save80 stoves, and 500 Munco stoves free of charge to households across the state to reduce emissions from residential cooking.

Alhaji Karasuwa congratulated the beneficiaries selected for the current phase of the Presidential Initiative and urged them to make proper use of the stoves, stressing that the devices will help protect women’s health, reduce household air pollution, and lessen pressure on forest resources.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Beleri Bularafa, commended the Federal Government f

Tackling Deforestation: Yobe, FG Distribute 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves


The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves produced with local technology to vulnerable citizens across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The initiative, officially launched at the Yobe State Ministry of Environment along Gujba Road, Damaturu, is aimed at reducing deforestation, mitigating climate change, and improving access to safer and more efficient household cooking solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, described climate change—largely driven by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—as a major global challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

He explained that the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, which supports the distribution of clean and efficient cooking stoves, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Commissioner noted that the Yobe State Government is complementing this national effort through the Ministry’s Alternative Energy Programme.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, previously procured and distributed 1,000 units of 6kg gas cylinders, 500 Jiko-Koa stoves, 500 Save80 stoves, and 500 Munco stoves free of charge to households across the state to reduce emissions from residential cooking.

Alhaji Karasuwa congratulated the beneficiaries selected for the current phase of the Presidential Initiative and urged them to make proper use of the stoves, stressing that the devices will help protect women’s health, reduce household air pollution, and lessen pressure on forest resources.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Beleri Bularafa, commended the Federal Government f

Yobe Environment Ministry Directors Assume New Roles Following Reshuffle

The three directors of the Ministry of Environment, reshuffled in a recent staff posting by the Office of the Head of Service, have now been formally handed over and have taken up their new roles.

The handover ceremonies took place at the ministry today.

The reshuffle involves Malam Audu Abubakar, the former Director of Planning, who has been moved to take over as the Director of Drought, Desertification, and Climate Change. Alhaji Umar Kaigama, previously the Director of Environmental Services, has been reassigned to head the Planning Department. Malam Bunu Mustapha Babangida, formerly from the Lands department, has been posted to assume the role of Director of Environmental Services.

Formal handing-over ceremonies were held across the affected departments, emphasizing continuity and collaboration.

At the Drought, Desertification, and Climate Change department, the outgoing Director, Malam Idi Sani Baba, provided a comprehensive briefing and encouraged close work with staff.

The new Director, Audu Abubakar, pledged to work closely with staff to achieve the department's goals.

In the Planning Department, the outgoing Director Audu Abubakar highlighted the department's functions and called for collective effort.

The incoming Director, Alhaji Umar Kaigama, urged staff to give him their full support and cooperation to move the department forward, promising to do his best.

Meanwhile, at the Environmental Services department, the new Director, Malam Bunu Mustapha Babangida, expressed gratitude and promised to maintain an open-door policy, calling for teamwork to meet government objectives.

He assured everyone that he would contribute his quota to move the ministry and the department to greater heights.

Malam Bunu expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Almighty Allah for the chance given to serve.

He thanked everyone who attended the event and wished them a safe return to their various dest

Yobe Sahara Restoration Project Team Seeks Collaboration with Environment Ministry.

The Yobe State Sahara Restoration Project team has moved to strengthen its partnership with the State Ministry of Environment, seeking crucial support for its landmark initiatives.

The Project Coordinator, Muhammed Musa, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa. The visit aimed to foster collaboration and align project activities with the ministry's mandate and resources.

In his address, Coordinator Musa emphasized the need for a strengthened partnership and outlined specific areas for joint effort. He briefed the Ministry on key upcoming project components, including:

The restoration of thirty oases in the Yusufari and Yunusari Local Government Areas.
The plantation of three millions of seedlings, which are now ready for plantation.

The stock includes drought resistant species such as Neem tree , Mahogany, Gum Arabic, and others.
Core objectives of restoring degraded lands, improving food , creating jobs, and enhancing community livelihoods.

Musa announced that the project has received final approval and is scheduled to commence implementation in March of this year, Insha'Allah.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, congratulated the team on the project's speedy approval. He offered strategic advice to ensure its success, recommending:

The immediate establishment of a State Steering Committee and a Technical Committee for the project to ensure proper governance and alignment with government objectives.
The organization of comprehensive training and retraining programs for both senior and junior staff to build capacity for effective project delivery.

Commissioner Karasuwa assured the team of the Ministry's full support and cooperation at all times, reaffirming the government's commitment to combating desertification and improving the environment for the people of Y

Yobe Sahara Restoration Project Team Seeks Collaboration with Environment Ministry.

The Yobe State Sahara Restoration Project team has moved to strengthen its partnership with the State Ministry of Environment, seeking crucial support for its landmark initiatives.

The Project Coordinator, Muhammed Musa, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa. The visit aimed to foster collaboration and align project activities with the ministry's mandate and resources.

In his address, Coordinator Musa emphasized the need for a strengthened partnership and outlined specific areas for joint effort. He briefed the Ministry on key upcoming project components, including:

The restoration of thirty oases in the Yusufari and Yunusari Local Government Areas.
The plantation of three millions of seedlings, which are now ready for plantation.

The stock includes drought resistant species such as Neem tree , Mahogany, Gum Arabic, and others.
Core objectives of restoring degraded lands, improving food , creating jobs, and enhancing community livelihoods.

Musa announced that the project has received final approval and is scheduled to commence implementation in March of this year, Insha'Allah.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, congratulated the team on the project's speedy approval. He offered strategic advice to ensure its success, recommending:

The immediate establishment of a State Steering Committee and a Technical Committee for the project to ensure proper governance and alignment with government objectives.
The organization of comprehensive training and retraining programs for both senior and junior staff to build capacity for effective project delivery.

Commissioner Karasuwa assured the team of the Ministry's full support and cooperation at all times, reaffirming the government's commitment to combating desertification and improving the environment for the people of Y

Yobe Solid Project Team Seeks Collaboration with Environment Ministry

The Commissioner state ,Ministry of Environment, Honourable Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, has received the state implementation team of the World Bank-supported Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons and Host Communities (SOLID) Project.

The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration and address welfare concerns within the state.

During the meeting, the Project Coordinator, Alhaji Dauda Suleiman, stated that the purpose of the visit was to join hands and collaborate in three key areas of the ministry’s activities.

The expansion of infrastructure and recyclable waste management for community benefit, which requires the ministry's technical support.
Providing livelihood support in a more comprehensive way for the broader society, not exclusively for IDPs.
Strengthening state institutions, particularly the institutional structures and policies of the state and local governments, through reforms and capacity building for civil servants.

In his remarks, Honourable Commissioner Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa expressed his appreciation for the initiative, assured full support, and promised partnership in the outlined areas.

Regarding recyclable waste management, the Commissioner noted that it would help communities eradicate unknown diseases prevalent in various parts of the state. He urged the team to expand the initiative to major towns, starting with the state capital, Damaturu, highlighting that it would also generate income for the people and communities.

He concluded by praying for Allah’s guidance and assistance throughout the project's implementation.

The meeting was attended by the General Manager of the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA) Baba Gana Modu, as well as directors from both the ministry and YOSEPA.

By Shettima Mustapha
Information Officer
Ministry of Environment, Yobe State.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL AT THE 18TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENT (NCE) HELD IN KATSINA, KATSINA STATE ON 17TH DECEMBER, 2025.

Protocol:

It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) holding here in Katsina, Katsina State. I wish to especially appreciate Your Excellency, Dikko Umaru Radda, the Executive Governor and the good people of Katsina State for graciously hosting this important national event. I also thank all Commissioners of Environment from the 36 States and the FCT, our Development Partners, the Academia, Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, and the media for their continued collaboration and support towards environmental governance in Nigeria.

2.​Allow me to particularly commend Katsina State for its remarkable progress and leadership in climate governance. Katsina State ranked 2nd nationwide in the Subnational Climate Governance Performance Ranking in the first quarter of the year, an impressive and well-deserved achievement that reflects strong institutional commitment, effective policy direction, and proactive engagement with national climate initiatives. Even more noteworthy is the State’s newly launched Green Economy Roadmap, which outlines bold actions on renewable energy, dryland agriculture, eco-tourism, waste‑to‑energy, and climate‑smart development.

3.​With plans to establish a Green Investment Fund, finalize its 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan, and scale up private‑sector partnerships, Katsina is demonstrating how strategic innovation can convert environmental challenges such as desert encroachment, soil degradation, and water scarcity into opportunities for sustainable growth and job creation. This progress is laudable, and I urge the State to sustain and deepen these efforts as a model for others across the Federation.

4.​Your Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, The National Council on Env

Photo session: Hon Minister of Environment together with his fellow States Commissioners of Environment at the closure of 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) held at Katsina, Katsina State.

Yobe State Ministry of Environment participated in the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting.

This event took place from December 15-17, 2025, in Katsina, where the primary focus was on "Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development.

The aim was to strengthen Nigeria's environmental policies.

Honourable Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, was present at the meetings, joined by several key officials.

These included the Permanent Secretary, Maidala Baleri Bularafa; the General Manager of the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency (YOSEPA), Sanitarian Baba Gana Modu, Director of Forestry and Wildlife, Ahmed Mohammed Abubakar; Director of Drought, Desertification, and Climate Change Control (DDDCC), Mohammed Gambo Paga; Director of Environmental Services, Umar Kaigama; and Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Abdullahi Abubakar among others respectively.