The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) says it has intensified interventions to address environmental challenges and protect vulnerable communities across its member states.

The managing director of HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, stated this on Friday in Kaduna during activities to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.

Mr Yelwa reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience and flood mitigation, noting that climate change continued to pose serious threats to communities.

According to him, the effects of climate change, including flooding, desertification, biodiversity loss, land degradation and extreme weather events, require sustained action from governments and stakeholders.

He said HYPPADEC had implemented several environmental projects, including the construction of flood and erosion-control structures in member states, the establishment of seedling nurseries, and the expansion of solar-powered water supply systems.

“These interventions are designed to enhance environmental sustainability and strengthen the resilience of communities against climate-related challenges,” he said.

Mr Yelwa disclosed that the commission carried out desilting and evacuation of blocked drainages and culverts, covering more than 348,000 linear metres across its member states in 2025.

He said the exercise was aimed at reducing flood risks and improving water flow in vulnerable communities.

The managing director also announced the commissioning and handover of a seedling nursery facility in Kaduna State to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to support afforestation, reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts.

He said the commission’s interventions were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate adaptation, food security and economic empowerment.

“As we commemorate this year’s World Environment Day, I urge Nigerians to adopt environmentally responsible practices by planting and nurturing trees, protecting forests and waterways, and supporting policies that safeguard our environment and livelihoods,” he said.

Also speaking, the head of operations at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleiman Mohammed, said the agency remained committed to disaster risk reduction through proactive environmental management and community engagement.

Mr Mohammed stressed the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to mitigate the impact of environmental hazards and climate-related disasters.

The district head of Gabasawa, Ibrahim Shittu, who represented traditional institutions, described environmental protection as a collective responsibility and pledged continued support for initiatives to preserve the environment.

Also, the co-chair of the Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM), Ibrahima Yakubu, called for stronger collective action to tackle environmental degradation.

Mr Yakubu emphasised the need for shared responsibility in addressing climate change, desertification, deforestation and other environmental challenges affecting communities.

The event attracted government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and environmental stakeholders from within and outside Kaduna State.

(NAN)