Environment minister restates Nigeria’s support for Great Green Wall project

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the Great Green Wall initiative, which aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030.

He gave the commitment while participating in the ministerial segment of the Pan African Agency of the Great Green Wall (PAGGW), in Dakar, Senegal.

The event was a gathering of leaders and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss strategies and initiatives aimed at combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management in the Sahel region.

During his address, Lawal emphasized the country’s commitment to the Great Green Wall initiative, which aims to replant 100 million hectares of land with trees by 2030.

He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among African nations to address the challenges posed by climate change and land degradation.

The minister pointed to the significant achievements of Nigeria’s National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), which has successfully produced over 37 million tree seedlings and restored more than 12,500 hectares of degraded land since its inception in 2015.

These efforts, according to the minister, have been vital in reestablishing local ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, thereby contributing to climate adaptation strategies.

Lawal elaborated on the multifaceted benefits of planting trees, noting that they play a critical role in carbon sequestration, improving soil health, and providing essential resources such as fuel and timber. Moreover, the reforestation efforts align with broader goals of enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring water security, particularly in Nigeria’s arid and semi-arid regions.

He also called for increased funding and support from international partners to ensure the success of the initiative.

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The Great Green Wall project is a flagship programme of the African Union that seeks to transform the lives of millions of people in the Sahel by creating a mosaic of green and productive landscapes.

As the ministerial segment concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to implementing the goals of the PAGGW and fostering a sustainable future for the region.