CSO Defends Green Wall Agency’s N81bn Trees Planting Spending

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Budget Implementation, Assessment, Evaluation and Monitor Committee has risen in defence of Great Green Wall Agency which allegedly spent N81 billion on planting trees in 11 states.

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Utilisation of Ecological Funds and other intervention funds into the Great Green Wall Project had last week called out the agency for the huge expenditure without commensurate results.

But at a press conference in Abuja on Sunday, the CSO urged lawmakers to apply more caution and decorum in handling matters to avoid misrepresentation, which may bring to disrepute the hard-earned integrity of those who are their partners in progress.

Speaking on behalf of group, Chief Ogakwu Dominic highlighted the achievements of the Agency under the leadership of Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar which include, transparent leadership, accountability and human capital development.

“This press briefing has become necessary given the current happenings on one hand and the need to inform, sensitise and create awareness about the operational methodologies of the agency hoping that it will engender an honest and a patriotic narrative for all and sundry.

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“For the records, it is also important to mention that a few days ago, our national tabloids were awash by the National Assembly statement on the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, even as we hold in high esteem the Legislative arm of the government of Nigeria, and as well the citizens’ unreserved respect for the hallow chamber, and as much as we will never cast aspersion on their integrity nor join issues with their statutory duty of oversight functions.

“We want to with all sense of patriotism urge them to apply more caution and decorum in handling matters to avoid misrepresentation, which may bring to disrepute the hard-earned integrity of those who are their partners in progress.

“Suffice it to say that, the NAGGW under the leadership of its current management headed by the Director General and CEO, Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar have been a worthy partner to the civil society community who have steadfastly put them on their toes to deliver on the mandate of the office even now that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought “Renewed Hope” to all Nigerians through his people-centered and inclusive leadership style.

“Part of our engagement with the agency has been our continuous monitoring and evaluation of all the agency’s activities including the Zonal Intervention Projects and all constituency projects of the National Assembly domiciled in the NAGGW,” he said.