By Hauwa Ali
The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, has announced that the Federal Government is launching a policy with the World Bank to reduce desertification in Nigeria’s remediate wetlands.
Abdullahi disclosed this at the 16th meeting of National Council on Environment, in Abuja recently.
According to him, the policy, , which would be launch in partnership with the World Bank, would improve Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) in the country.
This comes as President Muhammadu Buhari assumed the leadership of the Pan African Great Green Wall (PAGGW) to address land degradation in the country.
“Accordingly, Mr President is driving the funding initiative under the Great Green Wall (GGW) accelerator to fund each country’s priorities.
“Closely aligned to the objectives of the PAGGW is the need for a robust tree planting campaign.
“The president launched the campaign on the sidelines of the PAGGW Council of Ministers Meeting on June 16.
“States are encouraged to drive their tree planting campaign so that they collectively can meet the 25 million trees target by 2023.
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“There is no better time to reset our relation with nature than now,” he said.
The Minister stated that FG is committed to ensuring that Nigerians all live in harmony with nature.
“Government is committed to ensure that we all live in harmony with nature and brighter hope of sustainable development,” he said.
He called for urgent collective step-up action by everyone, irrespective of social status, religion, or political leaning, for drastic restoration of the natural ecosystem.
The Minister revealed that the ministry had commenced discussion on the establishment of a National Institute of Environmental Studies, to provide ideas on addressing environmental challenges.
The minister also gave assurance that the government would continue to provide every necessary support required to ensure a successful journey to net-zero emission.
The Representative of Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said Nigeria’s vision aligns with FAO efforts in member countries.
“The vision of Nigeria aligns with FAO global efforts in supporting its member countries in their efforts to climate change adaptation and mitigation, working towards climate-resilience and low-emission agri-food systems.” He said.
Dr Jean Bakole, Country Representative and Regional Director, United Nations for Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said UNIDO will continue to provide technical support to Nigeria in achieving a net-zero status through the promotion of clean technology and renewable energy.
