The Technical Working Group on Social Protection of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has disseminated the Kaduna State Community Engagement Framework for Climate-Related Shock-Responsive Social Protection for citizens.
Speaking at the event, the Citizens Co-chair SAP III Social Protection, Sumayya Abdullahi Hussaini, explained that the journey to developing the framework has been a collaborative process, adding that it is driven by passion, commitment, and a shared vision to ensure no one is left behind.
She added that the framework incorporates digital tools, town halls, ward and school-based committees, and participatory data collection to ensure communities co-own solutions.
She said, “Together, we have co-created more than a document. We have made a promise to act, to listen, and to stand with every citizen in building a resilient and responsive Kaduna. This is only the beginning.”
The project’s lead consultant, Martins Dangwa, emphasised that the framework results from a co-creation process between government actors and civil society groups.
“We are here to disseminate and launch a document that clarifies community engagement in addressing climate-related shocks. Until now, Kaduna lacked a comprehensive instrument that defined community participation levels in environmental and social resilience efforts”.
According to Dangwa, the new framework is a strategic tool to bridge longstanding gaps in participatory governance.
“While the State has previously employed instruments such as community-based targeting and development charters, these lacked the structure to reflect community experiences and expectations fully”.
Dangwa stressed that communities are vulnerable to climate change and critical in crafting solutions.
“Whatever you are doing for them without them is an effort in futility,” he remarked, urging broad adoption of the framework across not just local communities but unions, associations, and the private sector. With joint responsibility now placed on civil society and government, the document is expected to shift Kaduna’s approach to climate resilience from theory to actionable, result-based interventions”.
The Special Adviser to Governor Uba Sani on Climate Change, Hon. Yusuf Amoke, commended the Technical Working Group for developing the Framework and assured that the Kaduna State government is committed to implementing the documents.
The stakeholders echoed the importance of tree planting to solve climate problems, urging citizens to plant trees, especially in this rainy season.
They also advised Nigerians to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse to reduce drainage blockages.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), and LAFIYA-FCDO supported the event.
