The Kano State government has formally voiced its opposition to plans to redevelop sections of the Afforestation Programme Coordinating Unit (APCU) facility in Jambulo for residential or commercial use. Officials maintain that this site is a vital federal asset that must serve its intended public purpose.
Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, stated that the state is troubled by allegations that parts of the grounds have been transferred to private parties. The facility, which dates back to 1988, has served as a central hub for forestry training and climate initiatives. Its relevance grew further when the National Agency for the Great Green Wall relocated its operational base to the site.
While acknowledging that the matter involves ongoing legal considerations, the commissioner cautioned against the encroachment of private development on protected environmental land. He emphasized that the existing trees and vegetation are essential for mitigating heat, controlling erosion, and supporting local biodiversity. Removing these mature plants would cause irreversible environmental damage.
Dr. Hashim has requested that President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Justice intervene to prevent the loss of this property. He also pledged that Kano State will collaborate with federal agencies like the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, and the NAGGW to ensure that the site remains dedicated to public environmental service.
