DG Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Land Restoration, Food Security

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to global environmental governance and sustainable land management in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.

The director-general of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Saleh Abubakar, stated this at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Abubakar, who joined the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at the conference, said the agency’s participation underscored the President Bola Tinubu administration’s determination to address the impact of climate change in Nigeria, especially in the 11 frontline states.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, the DG explained that the high-level global gathering brings together world leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on pressing environmental challenges and sustainable development priorities.

“The Assembly serves as a strategic platform for advancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability. ”

The NAGGW boss reiterated the agency’s resolve to strengthen partnerships with global organisations with a view to mobilising support for Nigeria’s Great Green Wall initiative and other environmental restoration programmes aimed at combating desertification and land degradation, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and building resilience.

Abubakar sought enhanced support of global partners to enable the agency to address desertification in northern Nigeria and restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen the role of local communities.