By Abdullahi Lukman
Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening global environmental governance, biodiversity conservation and land restoration efforts in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.
The commitment was reaffirmed by the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Saleh Abubakar, during the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, according to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Abubakar said Nigeria’s participation at the assembly reflects the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackling the effects of climate change, particularly in the country’s 11 frontline states vulnerable to desertification and environmental degradation.
He described the assembly as a
high-level global forum that brought together world leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, development partners and other stakeholders to address pressing environmental challenges and sustainable development priorities.
According to him, the gathering serves as an important platform for enhancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability.
The NAGGW boss also stressed the agency’s determination to strengthen collaboration with international partners to mobilise support for Nigeria’s Great Green Wall projects and other environmental restoration programmes.
He noted that the initiative is aimed at combating desertification and land degradation, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, restoring degraded ecosystems and building resilient communities.
Abubakar further called for increased support from global partners to help address desertification in northern Nigeria, restore damaged ecosystems and strengthen the participation of local communities in environmental restoration efforts.
The assembly attracted delegates from 186 countries, who deliberated on environmental financing priorities, climate resilience, pollution reduction and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
