The director general of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Alhaji Sale Abubakar, has warned that land degradation and desertification drive vulnerable communities to abandon their ancestral homes, posing serious socio-economic and security challenges.
During the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abubakar highlighted the dire consequences of these environmental crises. “Forced migration, security challenges, and threats to prosperity are among the devastating impacts of land degradation and drought,” he said.
In the statement made available to LEADERSHIP, Abubakar unveiled Nigeria’s strategic framework under the Great Green Wall initiative, which integrates land restoration with economic empowerment to address these challenges.
According to him, the agency has empowered thousands of youths and women through skills training in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry, providing them with viable economic alternatives to migration.
He shared success stories from northern Nigeria: “Through our initiatives, communities have transitioned from despair to prosperity. These efforts are not just about restoring land but also about restoring hope and creating opportunities.”
The NAGGW boss also addressed security concerns linked to resource scarcity, which he noted often fuels conflict in fragile regions.
“Through the Great Green Wall initiative, the agency has implemented collaborative resource-sharing agreements between farmers, pastoralists, and local governments. This has reduced tensions and fostered peace,” he said.
Abubakar described the agency’s participation at the UNCCD COP16 as a pivotal moment to showcase Nigeria’s successes and reaffirm its commitment to combating desertification.
He said the convention provided a platform for critical discussions on promoting sustainable land use, building resilience against drought, and achieving large-scale land restoration goals.
“As an agency leading one of the most ambitious land restoration initiatives in Africa, NAGGW has become a model for international cooperation in the face of climate change,” he stated.
The DG added that Nigeria’s active engagement in the Great Green Wall initiative, which spans 11 African countries, exemplifies how collaboration can lead to transformative change.
“By investing in land, we unlock potential for agriculture, biodiversity, and resilient communities,” he said.
Abubakar emphasised the need for stronger international partnerships to bridge the financing gap in combating land degradation and achieving climate resilience.
“Restoring land is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity,” he noted.
He called for urgent and ambitious funding commitments, adding, “The challenges of land degradation transcend borders.
Sharing knowledge and building synergies between regions is key to achieving our collective goals.”
The NAGGW also participated in the “Middle East Greening Initiative,” where it shared its experience with large-scale greening efforts.
The agency hosted a side event on integrating women and youth into land restoration efforts, showcasing grassroots success stories from rural Nigeria.
“The agency’s commitment to inclusive development inspired many stakeholders, positioning NAGGW as a leader in community-driven solutions for land restoration,” Abubakar said.
He reaffirmed NAGGW’s dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to land, climate, and biodiversity.
He also noted the agency’s expertise in implementing early warning systems, sustainable land use practices, and community-driven projects, which have positioned Nigeria as a leader in combating desertification and promoting sustainable development.
“With a clear vision for building resilient ecosystems and communities, NAGGW’s participation at COP16 signals Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to combating desertification and promoting sustainable development,” he concluded.
The DG described the conference as an unparalleled platform for turning global commitments into tangible actions, adding, “NAGGW is proud to contribute to these efforts and share our experiences in sustainable land management and climate adaptation.”
