Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration in line with the objectives of the Great Green Wall Initiative across the Sahel region.

This is contained in a statement from the Ministry of Environment.

Nigeria’s position was made by Saleh Abubakar, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), at the 8th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Mr Abubakar said the participation of the agency underscores President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s determination to address the impact of climate change in Nigeria, especially in the 11 frontline states.

The DG explained that the high-level global gathering brings together world leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, development partners, and stakeholders to deliberate on pressing environmental challenges and sustainable development priorities.

“The assembly serves as a strategic platform for advancing international cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and environmental sustainability.”

He reiterated that the agency would strengthen partnerships with global partners with a view to mobilising support for Nigeria’s Great Green Wall initiative and other environmental restoration programmes.

“This initiative is targeted at combating desertification, land degradation, improving livelihoods, enhancing food security, and building resilience.”

Mr Abubakar called for enhanced support from global partners to enable the agency address desertification in northern Nigeria, restore degraded ecosystems, and strengthen the role of local communities.

Delegates from 186 nations gathered to shape environmental financing, with a focus on climate resilience, pollution reduction, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

(NAN)