Minister lauds agency for improving people’s livelihood

MINISTER of State for Environment, Honourable Ibrahim Jibrin, has commended the efforts of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, for improving the livelihood of the people, as well as promoting alternative and renewable sources of energy.

He noted that the variety of trees planted in some frontline states were doing well even in an environment where the land was degraded and had lost its fertility, saying that it was because of the dedication and commitment of the NAGGW towards ensuring that the programme succeeded.

The minister insisted that the programme should be driven fully by the state governments with active support from the Federal Government, urging that the partnership should continue so as to counter the menace of desert encroachment.

Jibrin called on other states apart from the 11 frontline states that were likely to encounter desertification to embark on series of environmental activities to avoid environmental hazards.

He said the Federal Executive Council had approved the policy on gas along with petroleum to lay a solid gas provision, including piping to convey gas for domestic use which would go a long way to reducing the use of fuel wood, in the near future

The minister said the FEC had also approved a new initiative of Afforestation programme and to come up with a law to prohibit exportation of wood.

Nigerian Tribune, gathered that the Minister was in some states of the Federation including Sokoto and Kebbi to inspect some of the projects embarked on by the agency.