By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of Environment, Abbas Balarabe Abbas, has stressed Nigeria’s commitment to the Great Green Wall (GGW) as a symbol of Africa’s united effort to combat desertification, restore damaged lands, and boost the resilience of communities affected by climate change.
He was speaking recently at the Ministerial Segment of the Pan-African Agency for the Great Green Wall (PAGGW) in Dakar, Senegal, where he spoke before an esteemed audience of environmental leaders from across Africa.
The event highlighted the urgent need for cooperative action to tackle the environmental challenges facing the continent.
Lawal Abbas emphasized the escalating threats of desert encroachment, soil degradation, and food insecurity that put millions in the Sahel region at risk.
He stressed the importance of innovative and immediate solutions to these crises, which are crucial for ensuring sustainable development across Africa.
The minister reiterated Nigeria’s strong commitment to the Great Green Wall initiative, underscoring its pivotal role in the country’s environmental and climate adaptation efforts.
He highlighted the achievements of Nigeria’s National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), which has led significant projects since its establishment in 2015.
These, he said, include the production of over 37 million tree seedlings and the restoration of more than 12,500 hectares of degraded land across Nigeria’s vulnerable regions.
Lawal Abbas also pointed out that Nigeria is investing in sustainable land management practices, including irrigation infrastructure, to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure water security in dry areas.
He described these measures as vital to strengthening food security and helping rural communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
He called for continued collaboration among African nations, international organizations, and development partners to ensure the success of the initiative.
Through PAGGW, Abbas expressed hope that Africa would not only address its immediate environmental challenges but also set a global example for climate action, particularly in the most vulnerable regions, such as the Sahel.
