19/02/2026
An Open Letter to the Executive Governor of Katsina State
Your Excellency,
I write as a concerned citizen of Katsina State and an academic committed to sustainable development. My name is Umar Rabe, from Daura Local Government Area, and I am a student of Sustainable Agriculture at Bayero University, Kano.
I sincerely commend Your Excellency and your administration for the on going capital and infrastructural projects across Katsina State. The scale of road construction and urban development, particularly in Daura and its surroundings, reflects a strong commitment to improving transportation, stimulating economic activities, and enhancing the quality of life of the people. These projects are timely and laudable.
However, alongside these achievements, I respectfully wish to draw attention to a serious environmental concern arising from the road construction along the Daura to Katsina axis. Observations show that a large number of trees, covering an estimated ten-kilometre stretch have been cut down in the course of these projects.
While infrastructure development is essential, extensive deforestation without adequate mitigation poses long-term risks to the environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity. Trees play a vital role in climate regulation, soil protection, prevention of desertification, and public health. Their loss may contribute to increased heat, land degradation, and ecological imbalance, especially in an already climate-vulnerable region such as northern Nigeria.
In this regard, I respectfully appeal to the Katsina State Government to incorporate a mandatory tree replacement and afforestation policy into all road and infrastructural projects. Specifically, for every tree removed, new trees should be planted, and a clear mechanism for their protection and maintenance until maturity should be established. This will ensure that development proceeds in harmony with environmental sustainability.
Your Excellency, this appeal is made in good faith and in support of responsible governance. Sustainable development requires that economic progress and environmental protection go hand in hand. I am confident that Katsina State, under your leadership, can achieve both.
Yours sincerely,
Umar Rabe
[email protected]
Daura Local Government Area, Katsina State
