The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has restated commitment to safeguard shelter belts in ensuring the success of its operations.
The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, stated this on Saturday, September 7, 2024, during a field inspection at Fagwalawa community in Makoda Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to him, a robust mechanism will be evolved to ensure maximum protection of the shelter belt in the front-line states.
Abubakar underscored the critical role of the agency’s mission in combating desertification and promoting sustainable land management.
He said the agency would plant more trees to address land degradation, afforestation and other environmental challenges, adding that it accorded priority to awareness creation on the importance of nurturing and safeguarding trees for sustainability.
According to Abubakar, the field visit is to assess and appraise progress of its projects and identify grey areas for improvement.
Also speaking, Mr Ahmad Ismail, Kano Field Officer, NAGGW, said that Fagwalawa site was one of the key locations of the agency’s shelter belt projects.
The project, he said, is designed to fast-track establishment of tree and vegetation network, to protect against soil erosion and desert encroachment.
“The project is part of the agency’s broader efforts to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable development in the region,” he said, adding that the agency had mobilised communities toward the attainment of its mandate.
He, therefore, urged the communities to take ownership of the facilities to reduce poverty and restore the lost land.
Abubakar is in Kano on a two-day familiarisation visit.
He also met with consultants and field officers of the 11 front-line states during the visit.
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
