The Federal government has established a Presidential committee to oversee the implementation of the “Nguru” environmental intervention initiative.
Nguru is a town in Yobe State, Nigeria’s northeastern region.
Minister of Environment Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi, who inaugurated the project’s committee in Abuja, stated that collaborative partnerships of all stakeholders, including Royal Fathers, were vital, as government alone cannot address and prevent afforestation.
Recall that the Emir of Nguru, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mustafa Ibn Mai Kyari on behalf of the Forest Farmers (Nguru) Cooperative Society, requested ecological funds for the afforestation of degraded land to mitigate climate change impacts within the Emirate, the said land was cleared in 2017 through the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to enable implementation of the livelihood project called Rural Agriculture Re-modelled Project Strategies Since this request conforms with the vision and developmental agenda of the present administration especially the attainment of the NDC and global emission reduction.
Mr. Abdullahi also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the formation of an inter-ministerial committee comprised of relevant Ministries and Agencies to consider this lofty request and make recommendations that must include, but are not limited to, implementation modalities and cost implications.
The Minister, also noted that the government is committed to tackling climate change and environmental challenges, food security, as well as other socio-economic problems across the country while improving the general well-being of the people.
The Chairman of the Committee and Director of Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Hajara Sani said that the committee will spring into action as soon as possible to ensure preparatory plans are in place for the implementation of the program.
The Traditional Ruler of the Nguru community in Yobe State Northeast Nigeria, Mustapha Ibn Mai Kyari, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari said that the government has over the years shown that it is concerned about environmental problems in the country.
The Committee membership consists of the Federal Ministry of Environment represented by the Department of Forestry, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Agricultural and Rural and Management Training Institute Forest Farmers of “Nguru” in Yobe State Northeast Nigeria
