The Nigerian government has inaugurated the Presidential committee on the implementation of the “Nguru ” ecological intervention programme. Nguru is a community in Yobe State, Northeast Nigeria.
The Minister of Environment Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi who inaugurated the committee for the project in Abuja Nigeria’s capital said that collaborative partnerships of all stakeholders including Royal Fathers, were critical, as government alone cannot solve and mitigate afforestation.
“You may 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.” The Minister explained.
Mr. Abdullahi also said that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that an inter-ministerial committee comprising relevant Ministries and Agencies be set up to consider this lofty request and come up with recommendations that must include but not be limited to the modalities for its implementation and cost implications.
“I am confident that the Committee being inaugurated today is composed of seasoned professionals and bureaucrats that would produce results that would assist not only in the delivery on the assignment at hand but also in the achievement of the far-reaching Government policies” He stated.
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.
“This is being demonstrated through our various policies, programmes and initiatives some of which as you are aware, are inter-sectoral. It is also being demonstrated by Mr. President’s directive to the effect that this committee should be established.” Mr. Abdullahi said.
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.
“On behalf of the Committee, I want to show both Honorable Minister and his Royal Highness, that we will work with diligence and promptness to deliver what we have to deliver. It is a national assignment that was owed to us because of the benefits that will generate especially the positive on multiple climate change.” She stated.
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.
“I am very delighted that we started in 2017, has now come to fruition. And today, God has shown us that this government is equal to the task and this also concerned about environmental problems in this country. And to have all of these grand ideas, we extend our thanks again to you, Mr. President, and he has also prayed God in his infinite mercy will improve his administration.” Ibn Mai Kyari added.
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
Dominica Nwabufo
