Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello, has said that climate change is real noting that concrete steps should be taken to protect and preserve the environment.

Governor Sani-Bello stated this while speaking with journalists in Poland during the just concluded Climate Change Conference.

The Governor, who was part of the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Summit, said a lot was learnt with regards to climate change and such learnt lessons would be use to improve on steps already taken towards environmental sustainability for the future in

Niger State.

While citing example of Niger state, the Governor noted that there were clear indication of impact of climate change in the state which has resulted in increased perennial flooding, desertification, erosion and drying of river Niger and Kaduna.

“Climate change is real. Flying over Niger state one can clearly see desert encroachment. Niger used to be green with rivers flowing all year round, but these days we experience heavy flood during raining season, yet during dry season the rivers dry up. Even River Niger is

being threatened by climate change,” he said.

Governor Sani-Bello revealed that proactive measures have been taken by the administration to ensure environmental sustainability through banning of tree-falling, indiscriminate burning of bush and forest.

“We have introduced strong measures in protecting the environment in the state. There is a task force under Ministry of Environment to check falling of trees and indiscriminate burning of forest.

“At the moment, the administration has introduced tree planting to reduce negative impact of human activities on the environment such as desert encroachment and flood,” he said.