By Ify Onyekwere
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has reiterated its dedication to addressing land degradation and desertification in Nigeria at the ongoing 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Sale Abubakar, Director-General of NAGGW, made the statement on December 8, 2024, during his address at the conference, which is being led by Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal. Abubakar highlighted the critical discussions underway at the convention on combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and building resilience to droughts, which align closely with NAGGW’s mission.
“The conference has provided an important platform for Nigeria to showcase the progress made under the Great Green Wall initiative,” Abubakar said. He pointed to successes in land restoration, reforestation, and community empowerment efforts that have been pivotal in fighting desertification. NAGGW’s active participation at COP16 emphasizes Nigeria’s leadership in sustainable land management and climate adaptation.
Abubakar stressed that NAGGW’s expertise in implementing early warning systems and sustainable land use practices has positioned Nigeria as a leader in drought management and land restoration. He also noted that the agency has facilitated key international and regional partnerships to enhance policy frameworks for proactive drought management.
“The Great Green Wall is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity,” Abubakar remarked, emphasizing how investing in land restoration can unlock the potential for agriculture, biodiversity, and resilient communities. He called for stronger international partnerships to address the financing gap in climate resilience and land restoration projects.
Abubakar also highlighted the social impact of desertification, which has caused vulnerable populations to migrate, contributing to social instability. He presented Nigeria’s strategic framework under the Great Green Wall initiative, which integrates land restoration with economic empowerment to curb forced migration and improve security.
Through skills training in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, NAGGW has empowered thousands of women and youths, offering them viable economic alternatives to migration. Abubakar shared inspiring success stories from northern Nigeria, where these initiatives have transformed communities from despair to prosperity.
The agency also hosted a side event on integrating women and youth into land restoration efforts, further showcasing its leadership in community-driven solutions for sustainable land management.
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