The Kano State Government has merged the Ministry of Water Resources with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as part of efforts to strengthen coordination and improve service delivery in key sectors critical to sustainable development.
The newly integrated agency will now operate as the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf retaining Dahir M. Hashim as commissioner to oversee the expanded portfolio.
Announcing the development, Hashim described his appointment to lead the merged ministry as a demonstration of confidence by the governor and pledged to ensure a smooth transition while advancing the administration’s development objectives.
He acknowledged the challenges associated with combining two strategic ministries with distinct but interconnected responsibilities but expressed confidence in the capacity of his team to deliver on the mandate.
According to the commissioner, the integration is expected to enhance policy coordination in environmental management, climate change mitigation, and water resource development, areas increasingly viewed as critical to Kano State’s long-term growth and resilience.
Hashim said the ministry would focus on improving environmental sustainability, strengthening climate resilience initiatives, and ensuring effective management of water resources across the state.
He noted that the merger aligns with the broader vision of the Yusuf administration to streamline government operations, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes for residents.
The commissioner further assured stakeholders and residents that efforts were already underway to ensure a seamless harmonisation of personnel, programmes, and institutional frameworks within the new ministry.
The restructuring comes amid growing concerns over the impact of climate change, environmental degradation, and water supply challenges across parts of Kano State and the wider northern region, issues that require integrated policy responses and coordinated implementation.
Observers say the merger could provide a more unified approach to addressing environmental and water-related challenges while reducing administrative overlaps within the state government.
Hashim reiterated the ministry’s commitment to serving the people of Kano State and pledged to work closely with relevant stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the newly established ministry.