By Abigael Joshua
The Federal Government on Tuesday validated an updated National Policy to address the menace of desertification, land degradation, and drought in the country.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, said this in Abuja at a workshop on the ‘’Review of the National Policy on Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought.’’
Lawal who was represented by Mr Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the validated document would effectively address the menace of desertification, land degradation and drought.
He said it would also enhance environmental sustainability in the country.
“This occasion represents a vital milestone in our efforts to address Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought in Nigeria. As you are aware, Drought and Desertification are not abstract environmental concepts.
“This validation workshop marks a critical stage in the policy review process as it provides a platform for stakeholders to carefully examine the revised policy document, assess its objectives, strategies, and implementation mechanisms, and ensure that it reflects a shared national vision,” Lawal said.
The minister revealed that the objective of the validation is not merely about endorsement; but a collective ownership, asking hard questions, identifying gaps, and refining approaches so that the final document is practical, inclusive, and capable of delivering measurable results.
“It must encapsulate the realities at the national, state, and local levels. It must recognise the different ecological zones of the country and the unique challenges.
”Land degradation is real and pressing challenges that affect millions of Nigerians, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country.
“These challenges threaten agricultural productivity, water availability, food security, biodiversity, and overall socio-economic stability.
“For farming and pastoral communities, drought means failed harvests, loss of livestock, increased poverty, and in some cases, loss of settlements.
“Desertification on the other hand steadily reduces the productivity of our land, weakens ecosystems, and places additional pressure on already scarce natural resources,” he said.
Lawal expressed optimism that the policy had the potential to serve as a foundation for integrated, long-term solutions that benefit both people and the environment.
“The draft National Drought and Desertification Policy document before us today is the outcome of the review of the existing policy which commenced on July 2, 2025 with the inception workshop which brought stakeholders from the 36 states of the federation including the FCT.
“Government would provide the leadership needed for its full implementation, but it must be complemented by strong partnerships with the private sector, civil society, research institutions, and local communities,” he stated.
Kambari said that the existing policy framework, while useful at the time of its development, must respond to new realities, emerging risks, and evolving national and international commitments.
Kambari was represented by Mrs Regina Nwaneri, the Director of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought Management in the ministry.
“This necessity informed the decision to undertake a comprehensive review of the National Drought and Desertification Policy, which in all honesty is long overdue.
“The reviewed policy is expected to place stronger emphasis on early warning systems, preparedness, resilience building, and coordinated institutional action,” he said.
Mr Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) said that land degradation had been an environmental challenge which ACReSAL had been tackling with the support of the World Bank.
Umar, who was represented by Alhaji Musa Shuaibu, Expert Advisor for Landscape Restoration and Wetland Management, ACReSAL, commended the validation of the policy and expressed optimism that land degradation, desertification and drought would be addressed.
Mr Precious Agbesor, the FAO representative said that the validation of the National Policy, which represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote sustainable land management, climate resilience, and restored degraded ecosystems, was a welcomed development.
“The policy aligns strongly with Nigeria’s commitments under global and regional frameworks, including the United NationKambaris Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs one, two, 13 and 15.
“This inclusiveness is critical, as successful implementation will depend on shared ownership and coordinated action across sectors and levels,” Agbesor said.
Earlier, Nwaneri, in her speech said that climate challenges had evolved, making it necessary to update the policy to address issues such as desertification, sand and dust storms, and drought.
“The validation workshop supported by ACReSAL and other partners will produce an inclusive, realistic, and effective framework to tackle climate challenges at both local and national levels,” she said.
Mrs Rose Okonkwo, the Executive Director, Programme Management, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) foundation Ltd. assured commitment to environmental issues to cushion the effects of climate change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
