Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has overseen the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Katsina State Government and Zoomlion Nigeria Limited to implement sustainable waste management projects across the state. The agreement, which was formalized through the state’s Climate Change Secretariat, is aimed at modernizing waste disposal systems while addressing the growing environmental challenges facing Katsina.
The MoU was signed by the Managing Director of Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Habiba Abubakar, on behalf of the company. Representing the Katsina State Government was Professor Mohammed Al Amin, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change. The event also had in attendance senior government officials, including Hon. Khalil Nur Khalil, Economic Adviser to the Governor, and Hon. Suleiman S. Ribadu, Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change, who witnessed the signing.
The state government described the agreement as a landmark step in its commitment to building resilience against climate change and ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents. It explained that the partnership would serve as a framework for public-private cooperation to transform solid and liquid waste management in the state through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Governor Radda has repeatedly emphasized environmental sustainability as one of his administration’s priorities. The signing of the MoU reflects the government’s intention to strengthen waste management infrastructure, reduce pollution, and mitigate the risks associated with poor sanitation. The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for modern waste recycling and conversion processes, aligning Katsina with global best practices in environmental protection.
Zoomlion Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of a well-established waste management brand in Africa, brings technical expertise and operational experience to the partnership. The company is expected to support the state with equipment, technology, and training, ensuring that the projects deliver long-term benefits to the people of Katsina.
Professor Al Amin, speaking during the event, underscored the importance of the agreement, stressing that effective waste management has become a necessity rather than a choice. He explained that population growth and rapid urbanization in Katsina have significantly increased the volume of waste generated daily, posing health and environmental risks. The partnership, according to him, will help to curb these challenges while promoting sustainable practices.
Mrs. Abubakar, representing Zoomlion, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the state’s vision of environmental sustainability. She highlighted that the projects would not only focus on waste disposal but also explore innovative approaches such as recycling, renewable energy generation from waste, and community-based participation in waste collection and sorting.
Hon. Khalil Nur Khalil and Hon. Suleiman Ribadu, who also witnessed the event, praised the initiative as timely and strategic. They noted that the collaboration would complement the government’s broader agenda on climate action and public health, while also creating employment opportunities for youths through new waste management systems.
The Katsina State Government has described the MoU as part of its broader climate action plan, which includes promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing sustainable urban development. Officials believe that by partnering with a private sector operator with a proven record, the state will accelerate progress in combating environmental degradation.
The agreement signals a shift from traditional waste disposal methods that rely heavily on open dumping and burning, toward a more structured and environmentally friendly system. With the new framework in place, Katsina hopes to tackle persistent waste accumulation in urban centers, improve public health outcomes, and foster an eco-friendly culture among residents.
The implementation of the projects under the MoU is expected to begin soon, with both parties pledging close collaboration to ensure timely and effective results. The state government has assured citizens that the initiative will not only enhance the cleanliness of towns and cities but also contribute to long-term climate resilience in Katsina.
By committing to this partnership, the Katsina administration has placed itself among Nigerian states prioritizing modern waste management as part of their climate change response strategies. The collaboration with Zoomlion Nigeria Limited marks a decisive step in advancing environmental governance and improving the quality of life for residents across the state.