The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with traditional institutions to promote environmental sustainability through tree planting and other climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives.
The minister made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Emir of Nguru, HRH Mustafa Ibn Kyari and his delegation to the ministry in Abuja.
Lawal disclosed that the ministry, together with agencies under its supervision – including the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) and Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) – is actively working to restore degraded lands, plant trees, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat desert encroachment in Nguru, Yobe State and other parts of Nigeria.
He assured the Emir that the ministry would provide 100,000 tree seedlings to support the Emirate Council’s ambitious target of planting 50,000 trees this year.
The minister also highlighted other focus areas, such as the Nguru watershed, Hadejia-Jamare River basin and Lake Chad Basin, emphasising the ministry’s dedication to environmental protection across these critical regions.
Describing the Emir as an environmentalist, the minister pledged the ministry’s unwavering support to combat climate change, aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Earlier, the Emir of Nguru commended Lawal for his prompt and effective response to environmental challenges within the Emirate, noting the impact of ongoing projects implemented through NAGGW, ACReSAL and NEWMAP.
The Emir was accompanied by the chairman of the Forest Farmers Cooperative Society, Nguru, Abba Liman who is actively involved in agroforestry, climate-smart agriculture and livestock development. Liman praised the collaboration between the ministry, its agencies and the Emirate Council.
The ministry’s director of information, Ibrahim Haruna added that efforts also focus on environmental protection, women and youth employment, and access to agricultural finance.
Meanwhile, the director-general of NAGGW, Abubakar Sale commended the Nguru Emirate Council for its partnership with the ministry and its agencies, underscoring the collective commitment to mitigating climate change effects in the region.
It is noteworthy that the Presidential Committee on Nguru Ecological Intervention has already submitted its report to the minister for further action.
