By Felicia Imohimi

Stakeholders in the environment and agriculture sectors have pledged to review Nigeria’s National Policy on Drought, Desertification and Land Degradation to address emerging challenges and strengthen food security.

The commitment was made at an inception workshop on the policy review in Abuja and attended by representatives from the Federal Government, development partners, and relevant stakeholders.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Mr Balarabe Lawal, said desertification, land degradation and drought were major global threats that worsen economic, social and environmental challenges.

Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Mahmud Kambari, said the policy, initially formulated in 2007, required urgent review to reflect current realities and bridge existing gaps.

He identified poverty, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and forced migration as some of the negative impacts of unchecked land degradation and desertification in Nigeria.

“The reviewed policy must consider core principles such as precautionary and proactive measures, sustainable development, intergenerational equity and gender inclusiveness,” he said.

Lawal noted that desertification remains the most pressing environmental challenge in Nigeria’s dryland regions in Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara States.

He said between 50 and 75 per cent of land in these states are affected by desert-like conditions, impoverishing over 27 million residents and threatening the livelihoods of millions.

“These states cover about 38 per cent of the country’s total land area.

“The dryland region is home to more than a quarter of Nigeria’s population and supports about 90 per cent of the country’s cattle, two-thirds of goats and sheep, and nearly all donkeys, camels and horses,” he said.

According to him, the region also contributes to the nation’s agricultural economy, producing key food crops such as rice and wheat, and export crops like cotton, groundnuts and gum Arabic.

He said combating desertification and related challenges would require a holistic approach backed by sound policies and integrated programmes that address root causes.

They include sustainable land use, deforestation, and climate change.

“The revised policy must also take into account related policies in agriculture, mining, urban development and climate change in order to identify and bridge existing policy gaps,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Dominique Kouacou, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the policy review reaffirmed the collective resolve to tackle one of Nigeria’s most urgent environmental threats.

Kouacou stressed that healthy land was central to sustainable food production and national well-being, noting that 95 per cent of the food consumed originates from soil.

He said the FAO’s global strategy towards achieving the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was built on transforming agrifood systems through four principles.

They include: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.

“The national policy has provided a critical framework for protecting ecosystems, improving agricultural productivity and building climate resilience. However, 17 years later, the landscape has changed,” he said.

Kouacou called for a revised policy that reflects today’s climate realities, incorporates new knowledge, and aligns with international best practices.

“This is an opportunity to bridge gaps, enhance multi-sectoral collaboration and take bold action toward durable solutions.

“FAO remains committed to supporting Nigeria through sustainable land and water management, ecosystem restoration, and community resilience,” he added.

Also speaking, Mr Abdulhamid Umar, National Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, said the review was necessary to update the policy to meet current climate-related challenges affecting vulnerable populations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) has officially begun the ‘Clean Oceans Plastic Awareness’ campaign in Nigeria, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign, which was inaugurated on Wednesday at Jabi Lake, Abuja, is in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Commonwealth Games Nigeria.

The campaign is part of efforts to promote responsible disposal of plastic waste particularly around the nation’s waterways.

It also aims to promote environmental sustainability and youth engagement ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland, between July 23 and Aug. 2, 2026.

Blackson Bayewumi, the Country Director, Royal Commonwealth Society, Nigeria Branch, said the campaign was part of a broader commitment to reduce plastic pollution and part of the transformative role of sports in driving environmental awareness.

“The Commonwealth accounts for one-third of the world’s ocean waters and nearly half of its member states are Small Island Developing States that are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.

“The RSC’s Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign aims to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.

“The campaign will combine education with local action, encouraging people to reduce plastic use, explore alternatives, and minimise pollution.”

Bayewumi revealed that the action component of the campaign would be delivered in collaboration with Commonwealth Sport, as a key feature of the newly re-imagined King’s Baton Relay.

“This version of the relay, focused on sustainability and environmental consciousness, was unveiled by The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025.

“It marks the start of a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, set for July 2026.

“As the Baton travels through all Commonwealth nations and territories, the campaign will unite youth, athletes, conservationists, and communities in week-long activities, most notably plastic clean-ups.”

Bayewumi highlighted the scale of the global plastic crisis.

He said that more than 400 million tonnes of plastic were produced annually with more than 12 million tonnes ending up in Commonwealth oceans.

“Plastic pollution threatens marine life—suffocating birds, fish, and sea mammals, while damaging entire ecosystems.

“What is more alarming is that when plastic breaks down into microplastics, it enters our food, water, and air, posing unknown risks to human health,” he said.

He warned that early studies suggested that microplastics might disrupt various bodily functions, as there was no known method to remove them from the human body.

Chairman of NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko, Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade, and the President, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, were the notable dignitaries at the event.

Secretary-General of NOC, Tunde Popoola, was also present at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo