By Abbas Nazil
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) on Thursday marked its 10th anniversary with the official flag-off of the 50 Million Date Palm Programme aimed at combating desertification in 11 frontline states of Nigeria.
The event held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Dutse, Jigawa State, was graced by the State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, and the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
Professor Adamu Umaru Dzivama of the University of Maiduguri delivered the keynote lecture themed,
“Sustaining the Momentum: Ten Years of NAGGW’s Contribution to Environmental Sustainability.”
In his address,, the Director General/CEO of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, emphasized that the event was not just a celebration of a decade of achievements but a renewed call for commitment toward building a greener and more resilient Nigeria.
He outlined the Agency’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) aimed at planting 50 million Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) seedlings across 11 frontline states.
According to him, the first phase, which begins in 2025, targets the planting and distribution of five million seedlings.
Mr Saleh explained that this date palm initiative will serve as an investment in climate adaptation, income generation, agroforestry, and the larger vision of building a USD 1 trillion forest economy by 2030.
He acknowledged the pivotal role played by local communities, traditional institutions, and development partners in the Agency’s implementation efforts over the past decade.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He, however, drew attention to pressing challenges such as insecurity, climate variability, and the drastic reduction in ecological fund allocation from 15% to 5%, calling for renewed partnerships and innovation in resource mobilisation.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, was represented at the occasion by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari.
In his goodwill message, Kambari highlighted the ecological, social, and economic significance of the Great Green Wall initiative and applauded the Agency’s impact in tackling desertification and restoring degraded land.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry’s commitment to supporting NAGGW’s future goals and called on donor partners and stakeholders to deepen their collaboration for greater impact.
In his welcome address, the State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel lauded the federal government’s initiative.
Malam Namadi who affirmed the state’s readiness to support environmental programs, also shared Jigawa’s plans to shift from short-term interventions to long-term ecosystem restoration.
In his remarks, Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Jigawa State, Dr. Nura Ibrahim Doka, described the project as more than a tree-planting exercise.
He called it a generational mission to protect lives, improve livelihoods, and combat environmental decline.
He listed ongoing reforms in the state, including legislative amendments to six key environmental laws, youth employment in green jobs, and integration of climate action across sectors like health, education, and agriculture.
He emphasised that without local ownership and strong policy backing, environmental efforts risk being ceremonial.
He described the date palm programme as a wall of defense and recovery for dryland communities facing increasing desert encroachment.
The event graced by traditional rulers, and other stakeholders ended with a collective call for action, urging all stakeholders to stay united in their mission to restore the land, support vulnerable communities, and ensure Nigeria’s drylands flourish in the face of climate change.
Speakers agreed that the decade ahead must be bolder, more inclusive, and innovation-driven.
