Concerned environmental experts have proposed various solutions to address the land degradation and desertification issues impacting 11 states in Northern Nigeria. Ideas such as securing additional funding and enhancing transparency in its utilization to combat these challenges are being put forward. Other suggestions include implementing tree-planting projects to restore the region’s biodiversity, fostering partnerships with key civil society groups, and heightening public awareness on climate change. Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara are among the 11 states on the front lines of the land degradation and desertification issue.
During a forum on the Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI) in Abuja, environmentalists discussed the significant negative impacts of the problem on humans, agriculture, water sources, and food production, as well as the devastation of wildlife, vegetation, and bird populations in frontline states. The consultative forum was orchestrated by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with Transparency International (TI). The revitalization project spans 22 African countries with the goal of rejuvenating numerous communities that have suffered from degradation across the continent.
CISLAC is committed to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources.
The African Union Commission and the Pan-African Agency of the Great Green led a collaborative effort involving African countries and international partners. Over $8 billion has been raised and committed to assist in the initiative, as reported by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Bathsheba Tagwai, the Senior Legal Officer at CISLAC, emphasized the organization’s dedication to monitoring the proper allocation of funds in response to the climate change challenges faced by these areas.
According to her, CISLAC is committed to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources, promoting sustainable land development, and strengthening the ecosystem against the impacts of climate change. These efforts will benefit the 11 frontline states, which account for 35 percent of Nigeria’s land area. Ms. Tagwai said the organization will closely monitor the allocation of funds given its significant impact on Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG16), affecting not only humans but also the environment, including farmland, water sources, and food supplies. She highlighted the critical need to take immediate action on the climate crisis.
GGWI is focusing on restoring degraded land to fertile soil.
Adverse effects of climate change in Nigeria are being exacerbated by a variety of major environmental factors, such as deforestation, heat waves, drought, and industrial pollution. These issues are directly and indirectly impacting millions of Nigerians in a negative way. Specifically, Northern Nigeria is currently facing heat waves, deforestation, and longer, more unpredictable rainfall patterns as a result of climate change. She stated that CISLAC is currently engaged in monitoring efforts as part of the Great Green Wall Initiative, which reflects Nigeria’s support of the Pan Africa Great Green Wall (PAGGW).
Ms. Tagwai highlighted CISLAC’s goal of increasing public awareness on climate change and monitoring the distribution and effectiveness of climate-related funds. Alice Nkanu, the GGWI representative, emphasized the importance of restoring and enhancing biodiversity in the 11 states through tree-planting programs. She mentioned that the GGWI is focusing on restoring degraded land by converting it into fertile soil and cultivating a wide variety of tree saplings in the region. This initiative aims to stop the uncontrolled cutting down of trees and encourage local participation in afforestation.
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Nkanu announced that through various efforts, more than 2,240 hectares of damaged land have been restored. In addition, vital resources like motorized wells and solar-powered gardens have been set up to benefit the nearby communities. She also urged for more collaborations and aid to address these obstacles and protect the environment for upcoming generations. Kolawole Afolabi from the Ecological Projects Office said community awareness is essential in order to promote sustainability. In a similar vein, Adesuwa Illuobe of ActionAid Nigeria showed support for GGWI’s goals and suggested forming partnerships with civil societies to address funding challenges and increase assistance in key sectors.
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