FG seeks global support to tackle desertification in North
The Federal Government has called for increased international support to combat desertification and restore degraded land in northern Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Saleh Abubakar, made the appeal at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly […]
The Federal Government has called for increased international support to combat desertification and restore degraded land in northern Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
The Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Saleh Abubakar, made the appeal at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Abubakar, who represented Nigeria alongside the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, urged development partners and global stakeholders to support the country’s efforts to address land degradation and the growing impact of climate change across the northern region.
He said the agency’s participation at the global forum reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackling environmental challenges, particularly in the 11 frontline states affected by desertification under the Great Green Wall Initiative.
According to him, the assembly provides a strategic platform for mobilising international cooperation and resources to address pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and food insecurity.
“The assembly serves as a strategic platform for advancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The NAGGW boss said the agency was intensifying efforts to build stronger partnerships with international organisations, development agencies and other stakeholders to secure support for the Great Green Wall Initiative and related environmental restoration programmes.
He noted that the intervention programmes are designed to combat desertification, restore degraded ecosystems, improve livelihoods, enhance food security and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities across northern Nigeria.
Abubakar stressed the need for enhanced global support to enable the agency to scale up ongoing efforts aimed at reversing environmental degradation and empowering local communities to play a greater role in sustainable land management.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to global environmental governance and sustainable land management in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.