The Federal Government has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s national policy on drought and desertification, aiming to tackle the growing threat of land degradation.
The Ministry of Environment held a two-day workshop in Abuja, bringing together officials, researchers, civil society, and community representatives to validate the updated policy. The framework addresses climate change, population pressures, and unsustainable land use, while aligning with Nigeria’s commitments under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, said drought and desertification threaten agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, especially in arid regions. The updated policy focuses on early warning systems, clear implementation strategies, monitoring frameworks, and land restoration initiatives.
Desertification already affects nearly 43% of Nigeria’s landmass and over 40 million people. With the policy finalized, the government plans to roll out programs to combat land degradation and enhance resilience across affected communities. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.