The Kaduna State Government has created 5,000 jobs for youths and women as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation across the state.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed this on Friday during the launch of a new environmental initiative tagged Operation TSAFTA in Kaduna.
He announced that an additional 7,000 jobs would be created in the coming months to further expand the programme.
The governor said his administration had procured essential equipment for the initiative, including Roro bins, dustbins, water tankers and appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
“These resources are intended to enhance operational effectiveness, improve safety for workers, and ensure that sanitation activities are carried out in a professional and sustainable manner,” Sani said.
According to him, the first phase of Operation TSAFTA will focus on four local government areas currently facing severe environmental pressure due to rapid urbanisation, population density and increased commercial activities.
He said lessons learned from the initial phase would guide the expansion of the programme to the remaining local government areas.
The governor described the initiative as a practical response to the environmental challenges associated with population growth and economic expansion, stressing that it reflects his administration’s resolve to address these issues with coordination and purpose.
“A clean and well-managed environment is fundamental to human health, economic productivity and social stability,” Sani said.
He explained that Operation TSAFTA is part of a broader strategy to embed environmental responsibility into governance and daily life in both urban and rural communities across Kaduna State.
The governor commended the 23 local government councils, the Ministry for Local Government Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for their roles in implementing the initiative.
According to him, effective governance depends on institutional collaboration, adding that the programme demonstrates the impact of aligned efforts toward a shared objective.
Sani noted that the initiative provides lawful and productive employment opportunities for women and young people while directly improving environmental cleanliness and public wellbeing.
“By linking environmental management with livelihoods, we are fostering a sense of ownership, encouraging responsible behaviour and reinforcing the idea that environmental protection is a shared civic duty,” he said.
He added that Operation TSAFTA aligns with his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, skills development and participatory governance.
The governor further disclosed that the programme prioritises private sector participation in sanitation services through the engagement of professional cleaning firms to enhance efficiency and accountability.
“These partnerships are essential for building a resilient environmental management system capable of adapting to growing demands and changing conditions,” he said.
Sani also noted that Kaduna State has recently gained recognition as one of the environmentally conscious states in the country, attributing the progress to clear policies, institutional reforms and citizens’ cooperation.
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