The National Agency for the Great Green Wall has asked for stronger government backing to expand its fight against desertification and restore degraded lands across northern Nigeria. During a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, the Director General of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, highlighted the agency’s progress and appealed for more support to drive its 50 million date palm initiative.
Abubakar said the project was launched during the agency’s 10th anniversary in August 2025 as a long-term plan to curb desert encroachment in 11 frontline states. He explained that NAGGW has already distributed about five million date palm seedlings, with a clear target to increase the number to 50 million by 2030. According to him, “Your Excellency, I’m here to solicit your support in combating desertification, land degradation and our 50 million date palm initiative for economic empowerment.”
He reminded the SGF that the agency was created in 2015 to respond to land degradation, boost food security and help communities adapt to climate change in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kastina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa. He added that the NAGGW also represents Nigeria in the African Union’s Great Green Wall of the Sahara and the Sahel project. Speaking on the agency’s mission, he said, “The mission of the NAGGW is to halt and reverse land degradation, prevent depletion of biological diversity, ensure that ecosystems are resilient to climate change, and continue to provide essential services that would contribute to human welfare and poverty eradication.”
Abubakar explained that since taking office over a year ago, he has strengthened partnerships and increased efforts to promote community participation. He stressed that more funding is needed to push the date palm project and other programmes connected to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We need your improved support to enable the agency get more funding to finance the 50 million date palm project and other initiatives,” he noted.
In his response, Senator Akume praised the agency for its work in addressing climate challenges and assured that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting NAGGW in achieving its goals.
