Isiyaku Ahmed
The Managing Director of Northwest Development Commission (NWDC), Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Ma’aji, on Thursday, stressed the critical importance of environmental safety as the foundation for sustainable development, noting that no meaningful activity can take place without a clean and secure environment.
He made this assertion while addressing participants at a three-day workshop on Climate Change Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Result Framework, organized by the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with support from the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Change (PACE), a UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Prof. Maaji commended the Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, and PACE-FCDO for convening the workshop, describing it as timely and relevant to national development efforts.
According to him, every human activity is carried out within the environment, making its protection non-negotiable. “You cannot do anything in a vacuum.
“You must provide a safe working environment. Once the environment is unsafe, you are already in trouble,” he said.
Prof. Ma’aji explained that although he had intended to attend the opening ceremony of the event, official responsibilities prevented him from doing so.
He disclosed that he had to appear before the National Assembly on Wednesday to give an account of the commission’s activities, which delayed his arrival.
However, he said he made deliberate efforts to be present as early as possible the following day, directing that the first available flight be arranged to enable his participation.
He assured participants of his commitment to the program, stating that he would remain actively involved throughout its duration, including the validation sessions.
Drawing from his experience, Prof Maaji noted that he had participated in several policy validation exercises across different sectors, including a recent national anti-terrorism policy validation that focused on non-kinetic approaches rather than military force.
“The emphasis is on policy and implementation frameworks.
“You don’t always have to use guns to address insecurity; sometimes, well-thought-out policies and proper implementation are more effective,” he explained.
Speaking on the mandate of the Commission, Prof Maaji announced that it belongs to the people and is meant to serve everyone across the North-West zone.
He said the commission covers all seven states in the region, with representation cutting across senators and members of the House of Representatives, adding that the Commission is open to working with Kano state government to achieve its climate change ambitions.
He acknowledged the political realities surrounding public institutions but maintained that performance and service delivery remain the priority.
“Yes, politics will always be there, but our focus is to deliver, to perform, and to reach the grassroots,” he said.
The NWDC Boss further described the current period as a critical moment in the nation’s history, urging public office holders to recognize the weight of responsibility placed on them.
He warned that leaders would ultimately be held accountable for their actions, both in public service and morally.
“What we do now matters. We have been given a second chance as a nation, and the foundation is at risk.
“Each of us must be ready to give an account of what we did when we were appointed or elected,” he said.
Prof. Ma’aji then urged stakeholders to focus on the task at hand, emphasizing that collective action and accountability are essential to securing a better future for the region and the country at large.
