Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has launched an environmental sanitation initiative aimed at improving cleanliness across the state while creating jobs for 5,000 youths, extending to both men and women.
Speaking on Thursday, 29th January, 2026 during the launching of the programme, tagged “Operation TSAFTA”, the governor disclosed that an additional 7,000 jobs would be created in the coming months as the initiative expands.
Governor Sani said his administration had procured essential equipment for the programme, including Roro bins, dustbins, water tankers and personal protective equipment to ensure effective and safe sanitation operations.
“These resources are intended to enhance operational effectiveness, improve safety for workers, and ensure sanitation activities are carried out in a professional and sustainable manner,” he said.
He explained that the first phase of the Operation TSAFTA will focus on four local government areas currently facing environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation, growing commercial activities and rising population density.
According to the governor, lessons learnt from the pilot phase will guide the expansion of the programme to other local government areas across the state.
He described the initiative as a practical response to environmental pressures associated with urban expansion and economic growth, adding that a clean environment is vital to public health, economic productivity and social stability.
“Operation TSAFTA is not an isolated intervention but part of a broader effort to embed environmental responsibility into governance and daily life in both urban and rural communities,” Sani said.
He commended the state’s local government councils as well as the Ministries of Local Government Affairs and Environment and Natural Resources for collaborating to make the programme possible, noting that cooperation among institutions is key to effective governance.
The governor said the programme would provide lawful employment opportunities for youths and women while encouraging community participation in environmental sanitation.
“By linking environmental management with livelihoods, we are fostering ownership, encouraging responsible behaviour and reinforcing the idea that environmental protection is a shared civic duty,” he added.
Governor Sani further noted that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to youth inclusion, skills development and citizen participation in governance.
He also disclosed that the programme prioritises private sector involvement in sanitation services through partnerships with cleaning firms and service providers to improve efficiency and accountability.
“These partnerships are essential for building a resilient environmental management system capable of adapting to growing demands.”
The governor added that Kaduna State has recently gained recognition as one of the environmentally conscious states in the country, attributing the progress to policy reforms and citizen cooperation in maintaining a clean environment.